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Advanced Approaches to Prevent and Intervene with Victims and Offenders of Gender-Based and Domestic Violence

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A special issue of Social Sciences (ISSN 2076-0760). This special issue belongs to the section "Family Studies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2025) | Viewed by 12911

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sofia Neves

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Guest Editor

Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Maia and Interdisciplinary Center of Gender Studies, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: domestic violence; gender violence; discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation; gender identity and/or expression

Dr. Anita Santos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Maia and Center of Psychology, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
Interests: domestic violence victims; clinical psychology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues:

Gender-based and domestic violence are pervasive issues that affect individuals and communities all around the globe. Despite the efforts of the last decades to diminish the prevalence of both types of violence and mitigate their impacts on people's lives, evidence shows the urgency of addressing the themes through effective approaches.

In this Special Issue, we encourage submissions of original research, reviews, and theoretical papers that advance understanding of gender-based and domestic violence and contribute to developing innovative strategies for prevention, and intervention with both victims and offenders.

Topics include (but are not limited to):

Gender-based violence against women;
Gender-based violence against migrants and refugees;
Domestic violence against older people;
Domestic violence against LGBTI+ people;
Child and youth abuse in the context of family;
Adverse child experiences and risk;
Intimate partner violence;
Femicide and marital homicide;
Intrafamily sexual violence;
Dating violence;
Sexual harassment;
Human trafficking;
Feminine genital mutilation;
Digital and cyber violence;
Prevention programs in education settings;
Psychotherapeutic models;
Crisis intervention with victims;
Rehabilitation programs for domestic offenders;
Risk assessment;
Media and gender-based violence;
Mental health issues of professionals who work with victims and/or offenders of domestic violence.

Dr. Sofia Neves
Dr. Anita Santos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

gender-based violence
domestic violence
victims
offenders
prevention
intervention

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Personality Profiles of Victims of Intimate Partner Violence and Inmates: Contributions of the Personality Assessment Inventory and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form

by Mauro Paulino, Mariana Moniz, Octávio Moura, Daniel Rijo, Rosa F. Novo and Mário R. Simões

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(5), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14050256 - 23 Apr 2025

Viewed by 758

Abstract

Although there is a growing body of research focused on the personality characteristics of victims and offenders, only a few studies have investigated both groups through robust and comprehensive measures of personality. The present study aimed to compare the PAI and MMPI-2-RF profiles between victims and offenders and investigate the influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on their results. Samples of 107 female victims (age: M = 42.71; SD = 11.25) and 154 male inmates (age: M = 36.51; SD = 12.72) were compared, and statistically significant differences were found on several PAI and MMPI-2-RF scales. While the victims tended to score higher on scales such as Anxiety, Stress, Somatic Complaints and Thought Dysfunction, the inmates scored higher on scales related to Antisocial Traits, Drug Problems, and Aggressiveness-Revised, among others. Both groups reported a large number of ACEs, and linear regression analyses revealed that ACEs predicted PAI and MMPI-2-RF scores. A discriminant analysis also found that specific ACEs accurately discriminate psychological characteristics between victim and offender groups. In conclusion, the PAI and the MMPI-2-RF provided valuable information on the characteristics of victims and inmates, contributing to a better understanding of the nature of victimization and crime perpetration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Approaches to Prevent and Intervene with Victims and Offenders of Gender-Based and Domestic Violence)

20 pages, 326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preventing Gender-Based Violence: Portuguese Youth Perspectives on Primary Prevention Programs

by Camila Iglesias, Raquel Rodrigues, Ana Guerreiro, Cátia Pontedeira and Maria José Magalhães

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(4), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14040244 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 713

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pressing societal issue that requires urgent attention. Although there have been efforts to implement GBV prevention programs in Portugal, research assessing their long-term impact on young people is notably scarce. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the perceptions and experiences of young individuals involved in these programs. The research captures a comprehensive view of the participants’ perspectives through in-depth interviews. The findings reveal personal and interpersonal effects from participation in GBV prevention initiatives. They highlight the necessity for such programs to commence in early childhood to maximize their effectiveness and societal impact over time. Moreover, the research indicates that these initiatives influence youth’s personal development, relationships, career aspirations and professional choices. Consequently, this study advocates for the broader implementation of holistic GBV prevention programs in educational settings and calls for further investigation into their long-lasting outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of adopting a holistic, structured, and interactive approach to primary prevention, ultimately empowering future generations and creating a safer society for all. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Approaches to Prevent and Intervene with Victims and Offenders of Gender-Based and Domestic Violence)

20 pages, 262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Support and Autonomy: Social Workers’ Approaches in Dutch Shelters for Female Survivors of Domestic Violence

by Chloé Roegiers Mayeux, Sawitri Saharso, Evelien Tonkens and Jonathan Darling

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(4), 241; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14040241 - 15 Apr 2025

Viewed by 332

Abstract

It is not uncommon that women residing in Dutch shelters following domestic violence consider returning to their partners during the course of their stay. Social workers cannot prohibit return due to the importance of the client’s autonomy, as stated in the Code of Ethics. Simultaneously, social workers aim to ensure women’s safety and encourage a positive future, which can lead to tensions in their way of support-giving. Based on thirty-five interviews with social workers, this study explores how they navigate these tensions and the support they give in such cases. Building on Martha Nussbaum’s capabilities approach, we distinguish a hands-off and an interventionist approach to autonomy. While the hands-off approach leads to non-intervention and respecting the woman’s decision, the interventionist approach focuses on providing tools and encouraging safer alternatives. The findings show that the hands-off approach is the common type of support, leading to feelings of powerlessness for social workers and often prompting endeavors to intervene more actively. Simultaneously, we argue that, whilst the Code of Ethics demonstrates an ambivalence towards these different forms of autonomy, it is often interpreted by social workers as promoting only a hands-off approach. Consequently, we argue that social workers would benefit from a greater recognition of an interventionist approach to autonomy and more liberty in support-giving. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Approaches to Prevent and Intervene with Victims and Offenders of Gender-Based and Domestic Violence)

18 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sexual Exploitation: Professionals’ and Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Prevention, Assistance, and Protection for Victims in Portugal

by Marlene Matos, Jacinta Sousa, Sónia Caridade and Isabel Dias

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(3), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14030167 - 10 Mar 2025

Viewed by 759

Abstract

Sexual exploitation is a pervasive issue affecting individuals globally, characterized by the abuse of vulnerability, power, or trust for sexual purposes. This study aims to explore the perceptions of professionals and stakeholders in Portugal regarding the prevention, assistance, and protection of victims of sexual exploitation. Employing a qualitative research approach, four online focus groups were conducted with 17 participants from various professional backgrounds. The results highlight a comprehensive understanding of sexual exploitation among participants, who emphasized the coercion and exploitation of vulnerabilities as central elements. Significant barriers to addressing sexual exploitation were reported, including underreporting, societal indifference, and the impact of new technologies. Participants called for enhanced training for professionals across sectors, increased societal awareness, and stronger legal and policy frameworks. The study concludes with recommendations for elevating sexual exploitation as a governmental priority, improving professional training, and fostering international cooperation to combat this complex issue effectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Approaches to Prevent and Intervene with Victims and Offenders of Gender-Based and Domestic Violence)

28 pages, 830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Obstetric Violence: Reproductive and Sexual Health Trajectories of Racialised Brazilian Women in Portugal

by Mariana Holanda Rusu, Conceição Nogueira and Joana Bessa Topa

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(2), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14020109 - 14 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1049

Abstract

Obstetric violence (OV) is a form of gender-based violence (GBV) that arises from the medicalisation of childbirth and the systematic devaluation of women’s bodies during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Recognised as a violation of sexual and reproductive rights, OV reflects historically constructed power relations and highlights the need for public authorities to provide guarantees. In Portugal, OV has historical roots and continues to be an obstacle to the realisation of constitutional principles such as human dignity. Based in an intersectional feminist epistemology and the social constructionist approach, this study was conducted using an exploratory qualitative approach. Ten r7495/2006 acialised Brazilian women were interviewed to examine their experiences of OV during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period in the Portuguese NHS, through the lens of reproductive and sexual rights. The interviews revealed dehumanising and discriminatory treatment, highlighting the lack of respect for these women’s autonomy, dignity, and rights. These experiences of OV during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period affected the participants, leading to trauma and significant negative impacts on their mental, sexual, and reproductive health. This research on OV is crucial to advancing global reproductive justice, as it challenges structural inequalities and places racialised Brazilian women at the heart of the struggle for universal human rights and equality in sexual and reproductive healthcare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Approaches to Prevent and Intervene with Victims and Offenders of Gender-Based and Domestic Violence)

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20 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“If It’s Not a Slap or a Punch Then It’s Not Violence”: Portuguese University Student’s Representations and Practices About Intimacies and Dating Violence

by Dalila Cerejo, Miguel Jesus and Lorena Tarriño-Concejero

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(2), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14020086 - 3 Feb 2025

Viewed by 926

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze characteristics, representations, and practices of intimacies and violence in Portuguese university students. Data collection involved 10 focus groups with a total of 35 university students aged 18–23. The findings reveal that students conceptualize healthy relationships based on respect, trust, and individuality, reflecting egalitarian ideals. However, participants acknowledge persistent gendered expectations and asymmetries. Contributing factors to dating violence (DV) include gender stereotyping, social media, substance use, and specific social settings. While social media can foster connection, it also enables control and online abuse. Substance use, although not a direct cause, may exacerbate pre-existing tensions. DV predominantly occurs in private settings, though emotional abuse also surfaces in public spaces like social gatherings. Participants condemned DV but noted the societal normalization of less visible forms of violence. They highlighted the role of peers as primary support networks for victims but also pointed to passive attitudes when abuse involves acquaintances. These insights underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing social norms and enhancing informal support networks in university settings. This study enriches the limited qualitative research on DV among Portuguese youth and emphasizes the importance of aligning prevention strategies with the nuanced realities of young people’s relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Approaches to Prevent and Intervene with Victims and Offenders of Gender-Based and Domestic Violence)

14 pages, 1214 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Location and Spatial Distribution of Violence Against Women in Peru

by Manuel J. Ibarra-Cabrera, Eliana M. Ibarra-Cabrera, Yolanda García Vázquez and Carlos Ferrás

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(2), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14020076 - 30 Jan 2025

Viewed by 949

Abstract

Violence against women in Peru is a serious social problem, and prevention and intervention strategies to address it are a priority in social policies. The results of a research project that aims to develop a location map of violence against women in Peru are presented, analyzing its territorial distribution at the level of municipal districts and its link with socio-environmental variables. The spatial analysis of data carried out shows a direct relationship between the violence against women with low population density, the rural environment, poverty, illiteracy and the ratio of women of reproductive age and adolescent mothers. Our spatial analysis of the data can facilitate decision-making and territorial planning of social and healthcare services for women who suffer violence. The classification of the Rate of Violence against Women into quartiles by municipal districts allows us to locate areas of intervention, differentiating those municipal districts with the highest and lowest prevalence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Approaches to Prevent and Intervene with Victims and Offenders of Gender-Based and Domestic Violence)

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24 pages, 1992 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Drive Intervention for High-Harm Domestic Abuse Perpetrators in England and Wales Using a Quasi-Experimental Approach

by Marianne Hester, Ana G. Ortega-Avila, Nathan Eisenstadt and Sarah-Jane Walker

Soc. Sci. 2025, 14(2), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci14020055 - 21 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1002

Abstract

High-risk and high-harm domestic abuse perpetrators pose the greatest risk of serious harm to (ex-)partners and family members. Robust evidence of perpetrator intervention is lacking for this group. The Drive perpetrator intervention in the United Kingdom focuses specifically on high-harm perpetrators to reduce abuse and increase safety of victims, using individual case management via support and disruption, co-ordinated multi-agency response and targeted support to victims. This paper reports on evaluation of the Drive pilot. A high quality quasi-experimental approach with individually randomised intervention and controls was applied in three areas in England and Wales. High-risk perpetrators (N = 2627) were allocated randomly to either Drive or usual care (support to victim). Change in safety and risk for Drive-associated victims was compared with the usual care victim group. Longer-term outcomes were assessed before, during and 12 months following the intervention for Drive and control group perpetrators at one site. The Drive intervention reduced abusive perpetrator behaviours and increased safety for victims compared to the control. The reduction in perpetration by both serial and repeat perpetrators sustained for a year after the end of the intervention and was statistically significant (p < 0.001) for Drive perpetrators compared to the control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Approaches to Prevent and Intervene with Victims and Offenders of Gender-Based and Domestic Violence)

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10 pages, 455 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Childhood Trauma and Sexual Violence Perpetration in Adolescence: Mediating Effect of Temperament

by Catarina Braz Ferreira, Jennifer Pitrez, Sofia Silva, Patrícia Figueiredo, Eduarda Ramião and Ricardo Barroso

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(12), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13120670 - 12 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1099

Abstract

Child maltreatment is a worldwide issue with serious consequences throughout life. Maltreated children tend to be at greater risk of developing aggressive and antisocial behaviours (e.g., violent behaviour in adulthood). The present study aims to analyse how temperament mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and sexual violence perpetration in adolescence. The present cross-sectional study was conducted with 252 Portuguese adolescent students between ages 11 and 20 years (n = 126 boys), of whom 126 self-identified as perpetrators of sexual violence. Overall, the results show that temperament mediated the relationship between emotional abuse and the perpetration of sexual violence. Limitations and implications for future studies were discussed. This study will be crucial for the development of intervention programs on violence and will help to explore these practices in intimate relationships. A better understanding of violence through the identification of variables of interest will allow a better understanding of this phenomenon, deepening the relational dynamics between the different genders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Approaches to Prevent and Intervene with Victims and Offenders of Gender-Based and Domestic Violence)

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16 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Newspaper Headlines and Intimate Partner Femicide in Portugal

by Ariana Correia and Sofia Neves

Soc. Sci. 2024, 13(3), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci13030151 - 6 Mar 2024

Viewed by 2813

Abstract

The media’s representation of intimate partner femicides has been contributing to addressing gender-based violence as a structural phenomenon. Aiming to understand which crime elements are valued and how they might contribute to victim blaming, the present study explores the portrayal of intimate partner femicides in Portugal through the analysis of newspaper headlines. The core of the analysis comprises 853 newspaper headlines published between 2000 and 2017, which were subjected to a categorical content analysis. The results suggest two major trends that are aligned with the scope of the two newspapers analyzed. While some headlines offer informative perspectives on crime and its characteristics, the majority tend to sensationalize the narratives, potentially legitimizing violence against women. The results of this study enrich the social and academic debate on the media’s potential influence in preventing and combating gender-based violence. Moreover, by shedding light on the media’s representation of intimate partner femicides, the study reinforces the importance of a broader discussion on the role of journalism in fostering social change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Approaches to Prevent and Intervene with Victims and Offenders of Gender-Based and Domestic Violence)

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