Understanding and Preventing Male-Perpetrated Domestic Violence
Understanding and Preventing Male-Perpetrated Domestic Violence
A recent study from the University of Calgary highlights crucial insights into the patterns of male perpetrators of domestic violence and explores potential strategies to prevent such violence. This research, a collaborative effort involving experts from the School of Public Policy and Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence, examines the backgrounds and behaviors of male offenders using data from the Calgary Police Service over the last ten years.
The findings reveal that 73% of men charged with domestic violence had prior encounters with law enforcement, either through criminal charges or domestic-violence-related incidents. This indicates that domestic violence is not an isolated event but rather one that can be anticipated and prevented. Notably, women and girls constitute a significant majority of family and intimate partner-violence survivors, while men are predominantly the offenders.
Lead researcher Lana Wells emphasizes that the approach to tackling domestic violence needs a shift in focus. Instead of solely working on measures to protect victims, efforts should be directed at early intervention for potential perpetrators. By identifying and acting on warning signs before domestic violence occurs, it is possible to prevent these incidents.
The study categorizes domestic violence perpetrators into four groups based on their interaction with the police before their charges: those with no previous police history, those with a criminal history but no domestic incidents, those with domestic encounters but no criminal charges, and those with both criminal and domestic encounters. Shockingly, only 27% of perpetrators had no prior police involvement.
An increase in police interactions is observed in the two years leading up to a domestic violence charge for 64% of the perpetrators. This trend underscores the importance of implementing proactive policies to interrupt the escalation of violence.
In Canada, there is currently no comprehensive national strategy to engage men and boys in preventing violence. Wells advocates for the development and implementation of action plans to change the societal and structural conditions that contribute to male-perpetrated violence. Additionally, policing practices should evolve to incorporate accountability measures that offer resources and support to potential offenders, aiming to prevent future violence.
Shifting the responsibility from victims to preventing perpetrators from committing violence is crucial. Providing men with guidance and resources can foster safer and healthier relationships.
If you are interested in learning more about how to support efforts in preventing domestic violence, please contact Steps to Hope for more information and resources.
Key Takeaways:
1. Early Intervention Focus: The study suggests shifting efforts towards early intervention for potential perpetrators to prevent domestic violence incidents before they occur.
2. Identifying Warning Signs: Recognizing and acting on warning signs in men who have had previous encounters with law enforcement can help in preventing domestic violence.
3. Majority of Perpetrators Have Prior Police Encounters: 73% of male perpetrators had previous encounters with law enforcement, indicating that domestic violence is often part of a pattern.
4. Increased Police Interactions Before Charges: A significant increase in police interactions is observed in the two years leading up to a domestic violence charge, highlighting the need for proactive intervention strategies.
5. Focus on Male Engagement: There's a call for engaging men and boys in prevention efforts, as there is currently no comprehensive national strategy in Canada for this purpose.
6. Categorization of Offenders: The study categorizes offenders into four groups based on their history with police, which can help tailor intervention strategies.
7. Shift Responsibility Away from Victims: The research emphasizes shifting the responsibility from protecting victims to preventing men from committing violence in the first place.
8. Accountability Measures for Police: The study recommends evolving policing practices to include accountability measures that provide resources and support to potential offenders.
9. Societal and Structural Changes: Advocating for changes in societal and structural conditions that contribute to male-perpetrated violence is essential for prevention.
10. Guidance and Resources for Men: Providing men with guidance and resources is important for fostering safer and healthier relationships, reducing the likelihood of domestic violence.