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Research

Our research

Violence against women and children affects everybody. It impacts on the health, wellbeing and safety of a significant proportion of Australians throughout all states and territories and places an enormous burden on the nation’s economy across family and community services, health and hospitals, income-support and criminal justice systems.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

News and events

ANROWS hosts events as part of its knowledge transfer and exchange work, including public lectures, workshops and research launches. Details of upcoming ANROWS activities and news are available from the list on the right.

ANROWS

About ANROWS

ANROWS was established by the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments of Australia to produce, disseminate and assist in applying evidence for policy and practice addressing violence against women and their children.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

Resources

To support the take-up of evidence, ANROWS offers a range of resources developed from research to support practitioners and policy-makers in delivering evidence-based interventions.


EXTERNALLY FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS

A metacognitive-informed group psychotherapy program for male perpetrators of domestic violence: A multidimensional feasibility study

Background

Treatment approaches for male perpetrators have utilised contributions from a diverse range of theories and models. Research shows lack of consistent outcomes and improvements reported during the treatment are often not maintained in the long term. Metacognition, referring to the capacity to understand self and others’ mental states, is an essential factor when considering perpetrator typology. Deficits in metacognitive capacity have been shown to be associated with high arousal states and acts of violence in clinical populations. Incorporating metacognition as part of a therapeutic intervention provides an opportunity to enhance contemporary approaches in the treatment of men who perpetrate domestic violence.

Aim

The research aims to 1) develop a metacognitive-informed group psychotherapy program for men who perpetrate domestic violence; 2) evaluate the proposed group psychotherapy program; and 3) develop a framework encompassing a set of principles and practices for wider dissemination.

Methods

Male participants will attend a 12-week group program for men who perpetrate domestic violence. The study will use a mixed-methods case study approach utilising both quantitative and qualitative methods. A case study method will be utilised to analyse data and answer why some individuals will improve in response to a treatment model while others do not improve. Measures will be obtained at regular time points to help ascertain the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed treatment intervention program.

Significance

The main aim is to reduce the number of fatalities and incidences of domestic violence in community. A significant impact will also be the contribution towards reducing the intergenerational transmission of domestic violence. The research intends to provide data on the effectiveness of an innovative group program approach to men who perpetrate domestic violence and to contribute to the current knowledge base on what constitutes effective practice in working with male perpetrators. Analysis of the data is intended to inform policy and practice issues in relation to working with male perpetrators.

Project start date

October 2021

Expected completion date

June 2023
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