Fathers and domestic violence: Building motivation for change through perpetrator programmes

Abstract

This article examines how fathers' identities intersect with their roles as perpetrators of domestic violence and their engagement in men’s behaviour change programs. Drawing on an evaluation of a voluntary perpetrator program in north-east England, the study explores how involvement with children’s social services influences men’s motivation to change. Data sources include program throughput records and interviews with men and their partners. The findings indicate that men involved with children’s social services were more likely to engage in the program beyond five sessions, often motivated by a desire to secure or regain access to their children or avoid care proceedings. While this extrinsic motivation facilitated initial engagement, fatherhood also served as an intrinsic motivator, with some men reporting increased awareness of how their abusive behaviour affected children. Participants described the program as a means of becoming a ‘better father,’ despite the program not having a specific focus on fathering. These findings highlight the potential of perpetrator programs to leverage men’s roles as fathers as a pathway to behaviour change.