Abstract

Programs to help abusive men stop their violence have proliferated across North America. Most have a pro-feminist philosophy and an educational framework in working with male perpetrators of woman abuse. Content and curriculums in these programs appear to have developed over time based on practitioner’s expert knowledge as well emerging research in the area. Few of these programs have systematically included abused women’s voices in designing program content. We believe it is important to include abused women’s input in men’s education, as this work directly impacts upon women’s safety and well being. As well, it is important to include abused women’s voices in empirical research that informs programs and policy in domestic violence initiatives as a whole.

This study gathered input from abused women as to what they think abusive men should learn to stop their violence against women. This study adds missing voices of abused women into the literature on men’s programs. At a practical level, findings provide a solid empirical basis with which to inform the development of program content including our own at Counterpoint.

This study used a qualitative methodology within a feminist action research framework. Focus groups were selected as the primary method for collecting data. Sixty-two adult women who had experienced violence at the hands of their partners from diverse linguistic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds took part in nine focus groups. Women were asked what they would like their partner (or ex-partner) to learn if he were to attend an educational counselling program for abusive men at Counterpoint. Women reported different areas that they would like to see addressed in men’s learning. Their responses generated recommendations in three broad categories including socio-cultural factors (men’s socialization, human rights), family factors (family of origin, experiences in childhood) and personal factors (self development, egalitarian relationships, self control, empathy, value and respect, impact of violence, assumption of responsibility for violence). In view of these findings implications for men’s program development and program evaluation are discussed.

Copies of the report are available from Counterpoint at a cost of $20 Cn, shipping and handling extra.

COUNTERPOINT COUNSELLING AND EDUCATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE INC.

365 Bloor Street East, suite 1005, Toronto ON M4W 3L4

Ph: (416) 920-0268: Fax: (416) 920-2387

E-mail: smitat@counterpoint.coop

About Counterpoint :The organization who did this study

This study was done by a team of three researchers from Counterpoint.

Counterpoint is a profeminist non-profit organization that provides counselling and educational services to assaulted women and abusive men. Counterpoint provides programs for abusive men, the majority of whom are referred through the criminal justice system. The Counterpoint women’s program provides services to partners of men who come to the men’s program including supportive counselling, support groups, educational workshops and referrals. Services are offered in English and Spanish and cultural interpreters and Sign Language interpreters are used when other language services are required.

Counterpoint provides education and public speaking as well as training for service providers in working with abusive men. Counterpoint conducts research in this area and works in partnership with many community based organizations in the field of violence against women. Counterpoint is part of a co-ordinated community response to abused women and is one of the agencies on the roster of the Woman Abuse Council of Toronto’s Partner Assault Response programs.

Funding for the study

This study was partially funded by a grant from the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women, Ottawa.