Experiences of consequences, accountability and responsibility by men for their violence against women and their children

© 2013 Dr. Joanie SmithAssault by an intimate partner remains the most common form of violence women will experience (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2006). More than a third of Australian women have experienced some form of intimate partner violence, whether physical assault or sexual violence (Access Economics, 2004; Mouzos & Makkai, 2004). Set within the Victorian Integrated Family Violence System, this PhD explores men’s, women’s and workers’ experiences of consequences and accountability for men’s violence against women and children. The aims for this research are firstly, to advance our knowledge about how consequences impact on men’s accountability and responsibility. In addition the intent is to contribute to the development of effective interventions with men who use violence, to reduce their violent behaviours and enhance the safety of women and children. The research aimed to expand understandings of men’s violence towards women through exploration of the following research questions: 1. How do formal and informal consequences experienced by participants impact on holding men accountable and responsible for their violence against women? 2. How does an intersectional analysis of men’s experiences contribute to an understanding of consequences, accountability and responsibility in men’s behaviour change and men’s motivation to change? 3. What are the implications of these findings for policy and practice? The importance of this research lies in its capacity to develop an evidence base about the form and impact of consequences in holding men accountable for their violence. The relevance for the social work field lies in further developing effective interventions with men who use violence against women and children, to reduce their violent behaviours and enhance women and children's safety. Sixty nine in-depth interviews were conducted with men, women and workers involved in Men’s Behaviour Change Programs (MBC programs) in regional Victoria. Participants were invited to share what consequences they experienced resulting from their violence, and the impact on accountability and responsibility for that violence. Women recruited through the partner support components of MBC programs were asked the same questions. These interviews occurred at two points of time six months apart over a three year period. Workers within these same programs were also interviewed. The consistencies and contradictions drawn from the triangulation of these experiences yielded rich data that shed light on participants’ experiences of consequences and accountability for men’s violence. Emergent results highlight the difficulties of service provision across integrated systems, the role of the justice system, child protection and the impact of women and children on men’s behaviour change