Understanding and utilising ‘rapport’ in work with domestic abusers: the challenge of creating a ‘safe space’ that holds men to account

This article explores the role of ‘rapport’ in enhancing the effectiveness of probation domestic abuse perpetrator programmes, drawing on practitioner led research. While there has been a growing awareness of the importance of relational factors, discussion of relationships between staff and group members lacks clarity. This article, and the research underpinning it, utilises the concept of ‘rapport’ to explore how relational issues operate within perpetrator groups. Findings demonstrated that participants need a sense of safety, space to explore their experiences, thoughts and emotions, without judgement or collusion. The paper concludes that facilitators are not used as much as they could be to inform practice developments.