Counsellors’ experiences of working with male victims of female-perpetrated domestic abuse

Abstract

Aim: To provide an understanding of counsellors’ experiences of working with male victims of female-perpetrated domestic abuse. This topic has been virtually unexplored within counselling literature. Method: A qualitative design was adopted to address the objective of this research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six counsellors. Snowball sampling was used to identify suitable participants. Three were males and three females, and all had experience of working with male victims of female-perpetrated domestic abuse. Results were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Findings: Ten over-arching themes emerged from the transcripts, including a distinct lack of recognition of male victimisation, which was seen as hampering counsellors’ work with clients. Participants, particularly female counsellors, also drew on the significance of their gender. Furthermore, counsellors described changes in their perceptions of women within modern society. A central feature of participants’ accounts was a sense of privilege in sharing clients’ experiences. However, participants described the work as challenging, and employed both personal and professional strategies to help them cope with work-related difficulties. Discussion: Findings offer an initial understanding as to the experiences of counsellors that have worked with male victims. This may be helpful in leading to the development of more effective strategies employed by counsellors and counselling agencies in successfully working with male victims, whilst increasing awareness of male victimisation.

Keywords:

• domestic abuse
• domestic violence
• male victimisation
• female perpetrators
• counselling

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank all the participants who took part in this study. We also wish to thank the University of Keele and Newman University College in supporting this project. Thanks also to the BPS Division of Counselling Psychology for their publicity on this research.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kevin F. Hogan

Kevin Hogan is an MSc in counselling psychology graduate of Keele University and lecturer in psychology and counselling at Newman University College

John R. Hegarty

John Hegarty is a chartered psychologist and senior lecturer in psychology at Keele University

Tony Ward

Tony Ward is head of psychology at the University of the West of England (UWE). He is a chartered psychologist and registered health and counselling psychologist

Lorna J. Dodd

Lorna Dodd is acting head of psychology & programme leader at Newman University College, and is a chartered health psychologist