A study of the male perpetrator : the role of the social worker

Abstract

The objective of this study aims at understanding the behaviour of male perpetrators towards their partners in relation to their 'attachment patterns' and thus, proposes tailor made social work intervention to deal with these individual behaviours. The study identifies mainly the four attachment patterns, analysis the research and then, explores what conditions, stressors, and risk factors indicate such abusive behaviour. Finally, it analysis the services offered during the therapeutic programme to identify which treatment modalities need to be maintained, changed or developed to suit each individual treatment to help counteract the abusive behaviour. Much of this understanding was derived from collaboration with five service users at 'Men's Services'. Five separate interviews were conducted in order to allow me to construct a composite picture of the participants, their childhood experiences and their current behaviours. These studies suggest a deeper focus and a more individual service level, being uniquely constructed and directly beneficial to each and every user and his family. Thus, focusing on the specific types of insecure patterns would help the clients feel understood, acknowledged and valued.