Experiences and perspectives on supporting neurodivergent male perpetrators of domestic abuse, victims, and interventions
Welcome
Welcome to the research project page for the study ‘Neurodivergent-led organisations’ experiences and perspectives on neurodivergent male perpetrators of domestic abuse, victims, and interventions’
Background and Rationale
Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programmes (DAPPs) have been almost exclusively developed with a neurotypical perpetrator population in mind. My previous research on criminal justice domestic abuse perpetrator programmes in England and Wales identified that autistic men and those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience adversities and barriers to engagement that were both similar and above those of neurotypical men. Further international research conducted by me and Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon involved surveying and speaking to international programme providers who had adapted their programmes in some way to make them more inclusive for neurodivergent men. A serious of recommendations were published as a result of the findings. The Home Office Standards for Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Interventions in the UK have since included the need for services to develop interventions that are more accessible to a neurodiverse population.
The aim of the study was to identify neurodivergent-led organisations – wherever they are in the world – who have experiences or views on domestic abuse interventions for autistic/ADHD (without learning disabilities) male perpetrators and/or the support for their families. Expertise in domestic abuse was not a requirement for taking part in this study.
There is a gap in research in knowledge about neurodivergent-led organisations’ experiences and perspectives in this regard, and what they consider to be a neurodivergent responsive intervention and pathways for these men and their families. This study a addresses this gap in knowledge and practice by asking expert, organisations who support neurodivergent people about their experiences and perspectives.
The final report can be found here: Designing from the margins Neurodivergent-led Organisations on Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programmes