Insight from Women on the Lived Experience of Their Partners’ Referrals to Men's Behavior Change Programs

TL;DR

Women in Victoria share their experiences when their partners are referred to programs aimed at changing abusive behavior.

Contribution

The study introduces new insights into the emotional and social impact of men's behavior change program referrals on women.

Findings

The referral period is marked by emotions like hope, blame, and indignation among women.

Community services should consider the broader impact of MBCP referrals on all involved.

Feminist analysis reveals the complexity of women's lived experiences during referrals.

Abstract

Within the state of Victoria (Australia), male perpetrators of family violence are routinely referred to Men's Behaviour Change Programs (MBCP). This place based-based study included nine in-depth interviews with women from a regional city in Victoria, about their lived experiences of their partners’ referral to an MBCP. The women's shared narratives were explored via Feminist Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. This analysis exposed the referral period as a time of pivotal assessment for the women – a time characterized by hope, blame, judgement, and indignation. This study emphasizes the need for community services to take into account the far-reaching implications an MBCP referral has for everyone it is intended to benefit.

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