“We need to help perpetrators understand their behaviours and the impact”: an evaluation of a UK domestic abuse male engagement worker project

Abstract

Effective perpetrator management can increase safety for domestic abuse victim-survivors. The Young Person’s Male Engagement Worker (MEW) project is a novel approach to working with fathers (18-26 years) exhibiting harmful behaviours to prevent further escalation. MEW seeks to redress the fact that the perpetrators of abuse are often invisible in systems designed to protect victim-survivors. The project is funded and delivered by local government, grounded in the Safe and Together model, working to encourage agencies away from victim culpability to perpetrator accountability. MEW aims to support professionals to better understand the dynamics of domestic abuse, upskill them to hold alleged perpetrators of abuse to account, rather than placing the burden of child protection on mothers.A 12-month study was undertaken to evaluate outcomes and impact, benefits and challenges, to inform future commissioning. A mixed method design was applied, including a review of metric and demographic data, analysis of anonymised case consultation notes (n=30), and interviews with key stakeholders (n=16).Findings showed mean length of perpetrator engagement in MEW was 8.7 months. The majority of participants had intersecting issues including poor mental health, substance use, criminal history, and financial and housing issues. Almost half of participants engaged in some form of behaviour change including goal setting.Stakeholders identified benefits of the programme for perpetrators and victim-survivors. MEW offered perpetrators an opportunity to reflect on their behaviour, have their voice heard and offering a stepping stone to change. For victims, holding perpetrators to account, shared responsibility, risk reduction and monitoring. Other benefits included longer-term resource efficiency, training and upskilling of other services.While benefits of the MEW project were identified, challenges for sustainability were acknowledged. These included: status as a small non-statutory service, securing future funding, and to effect perpetrator behaviour change long-term engagement and commitment to the project is required.<br/