Comparative Analysis of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators According to their Referral Type: Self-Referred, Legally Mandated, and Formally Pressured

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue with long-lasting consequences, necessitating effective treatments to disrupt its intergenerational transmission. However, the common one-size-fits-all approach in IPV programs may fail to acknowledge the diversity among perpetrators. This study compared three types of IPV perpetrators entering treatment: self-referred, legally mandated, and formally pressured. Among 1,302 men surveyed, self-referred men were generally older, more educated, and reported more clinical symptoms than those in the other groups. They appeared more ready to change and less influenced by social desirability biases. Legally mandated men reported fewer minor IPV behaviors, but more severe behaviors compared with self-referred men. They seemed to minimize or deny their behavior, failing to acknowledge their problem with violence. Formally pressured men exhibited mixed characteristics. They appeared to be motivated by the fear of losing custody of their children. These findings underscore the need for tailored therapeutic approaches.