Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

John Hamel

2012 Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/17596591211244139

Purpose – Holding domestic violence perpetrators accountable for their abusive behavior is the number one objective of batterer intervention programs (BIPs), typically consisting of same‐sex psychoeducational counseling groups. However, such programs have been found to be only marginally successful in reducing recidivism rates. To be more effective, programs need to take into account the complexities of intimate partner violence. The purpose of this article is to offer clinicians working in the field of partner violence suggestions to help them enlist client cooperation and teach responsibility while taking into account the prevalence of mutual abuse dynamics. Design/methodology/approach – The article draws on findings from the research literature as well as the author's 20 years of clinical experience conducting domestic violence offender treatment groups for both men and women. Findings – Among individuals court‐mandated to batterer intervention, many are involved in mutually‐abusive relationships. Emerging literature indicates that some are also primarily victims. This poses a dilemma for batterer intervention group facilitators, who must work within a legal framework in which individuals are deemed to be either perpetrators or victims. Practical implications – Implications of this article for partner violence policy and practice include a need for more flexible, evidence‐based laws on partner violence. Originality/value – There are few practice articles on working with the various forms of abuse dynamics within a clinical setting, and this is the first that is focused on group treatment. The article should be of value to clinicians working directly with domestic violence perpetrators and victims, as well as to the policy makers who conceptualize, create and fund these programs.

Michelle Davies; Stephanie J. Boden

2012 Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/17596591211244148

Purpose – This study aims to investigate the sexual preference effect in depicted male sexual assault. Consistent with Davies et al. , the study seeks to predict that males are more blaming toward gay victims of male perpetrators and heterosexual victims of female perpetrators, while females would not blame the victim. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 200 participants read a hypothetical scenario depicting a case of the non‐consensual touching of an adult male, and then completed a victim blame scale. Findings – Analysis of variance confirmed predictions. Results are discussed in relation to gender beliefs and homophobia. Suggestions for future work are proposed. Originality/value – This study confirms the existence of the sexual preference effect in attributions toward male victims of sexual assault utilising a scenario depicting non‐consensual touching. These findings extend current knowledge in this growing area.

Imran Awan

2012 Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/17596591211244157

Purpose – Al‐Qaeda poses a major challenge to western democracies with its international networks and suicide attacks; it has been involved in some of the most horrific terrorist attacks across the world. As a result the UK, similar to many other countries, has enacted hard‐line counter‐terrorism legislation that has had an impact upon Muslim community relations with law enforcement agencies. This paper aims to examine the glorification offence under the Terrorism Act and its implications for free speech. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is designed to examine counter‐terrorism legislation in Britain and in particular the offence of glorification and the impact it has had upon Muslim communities using empirical case studies and theoretical evidence. Findings – It is found that Muslim communities feel that their freedom of speech, thought and expression have been seriously curtailed as a result of the glorification offence and has led them to feel a sense of alienation and stigma which has manifested itself in the community by not trusting law enforcement agencies and counter‐terrorism policies. Practical implications – In order to build trust with the Muslim community law enforcement agencies such as the police need to ensure that they do not disproportionately use their power of arrest under the guise of combating terrorism. Therefore, there is a need for law enforcement agencies to improve their internal and external structures through a process of engagement and understanding Muslim communities which would help rebuild trust and confidence. Originality/value – The paper examines counter‐terrorism legislation and provides a theoretical framework for how policy should be shaped in the area of counter‐terrorism. Currently the literature available concerning the new government reforms and the glorification offence under the Terrorism Act is limited and thus this paper provides a unique contribution towards understanding this offence in more detail and the impact it may have upon Muslim communities and civil liberties.

Bert H. Hoff

2012 Journal of Aggression Conflict and Peace Research

doi: 10.1108/17596591211244166

Purpose – This paper seeks to re‐examine data from the US National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) to explore the extent of intimate partner violence against male victims. It aims to examine the domestic violence system's response to male victims. Design/methodology/approach – The paper's approach is to re‐examine NISVS data, research on the impact of IPV on male victims and the system's response to it. Findings – In the last year, males are more often the victim of intimate partner physical violence, psychological aggression and control over sexual/reproductive health. Social implications – Increased domestic violence education directed at women and services to men should lead to a reduction of DV against women as well as men, since woman aggressors frequently are themselves victimized subsequently. Originality/value – This paper offers new perspectives on intimate partner violence against men and the system's response to it.