Social Work Services with Men Who Perpetrate Domestic Violence

Psychologically, when they commit acts of violence, they may fall into psychological states of stress, anxiety, fear, psychological disturbance and crisis. They are worried and afraid for many reasons such as: did they cause the victim's death? Did the victim or the victim's family request the local authorities to handle the case according to the law? Did the victim or the victim's family request the Court to divorce? They may feel remorseful, remorseful, and angry with themselves for the act of violence because they loved the victim.

Socially, they may face difficulties such as being shunned by family members, stigmatized and discriminated against by the community. They may even be isolated from communicating with the victim and the victim's family, causing them to become withdrawn and reluctant to communicate.

Physically, when committing acts of violence, GBL people can also suffer physical injuries such as bruises, broken legs, arms... and other injuries, even death due to the victim's resistance or self-defense. They can also be retaliated against by the victim's relatives [24].

2.2.3.2 Men's need for violence

Male perpetrators of violence (MV) also have certain needs because of the above difficulties, first of all, the need for respect and listening . Despite their violent behavior, MVs really want to be respected and listened to by everyone, especially their family members and local authorities, because when they commit violent acts, people often have prejudices against them, do not want to listen and think that they are the ones who deserve to be condemned, so they do not have to listen to their thoughts, wishes and desires. They also have the need to belong to a family and a group of people because the feeling of loneliness and isolation when the victim leaves, the family shuns them, and society stigmatizes and condemns them, making them have the need to connect, share and belong to a group of people in the same situation. MVs want to express themselves, the need to assert themselves such as wanting to take care of the victim, show affection and responsibility towards the victim after committing a violent act. In addition, NGGBL also hope to be given the opportunity to correct their behavior and mistakes . Because when violence occurs, they often try to justify their violent behavior. However, some people, after committing violence, also look back at their own behavior and realize that their behavior is wrong, so they want to change, correct their mistakes and want to show their responsibility. In situations like this,

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Therefore, social workers and family members should give them the opportunity to correct their mistakes (According to Bui Thi Mai Dong, 2017) [24].

2.3 Social work services with men who commit domestic violence

2.3.1 Social work in reducing domestic violence

There are many different definitions of the concept of social work. According to the latest definition used today by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) in July 2014: ― Social work is a practical profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversity are core principles of social work. Social work is grounded in social work theories, the social sciences and humanities, and local knowledge. Based on these foundations, social work connects people with organizations to address life challenges and enhance well-being ‖. [8]

The definition of social work in Vietnam has been specifically stipulated in Circular 01/2017/LDDTBXH regulating professional ethics standards for social workers: " Social work is a professional activity aimed at solving problems of individuals, families, communities and society; contributing to ensuring the implementation of human rights, justice, social progress and happiness of the people ." [ 8 ]

From the above concepts of social work, the author comes to the construction of the concept of social work in reducing domestic violence as: "All professional activities on preventing, responding to and resolving domestic violence issues at the individual, family and community levels through improving the capacity to prevent and combat domestic violence for victims, perpetrators of violence, family members and the community, carried out by social work staff to reduce domestic violence. With the following 5 main tasks: (1) Timely detection and prevention of manifestations of domestic violence; Raising community awareness of domestic violence prevention and combat; (2) Improving the capacity to respond to domestic violence for family members at risk of violence; (3) Developing a network of domestic violence prevention and combat in the community; building and replicating models and support services for people in need of assistance in the field of domestic violence prevention and combat; (4) Provide social services such as: personal counseling, legal support, vocational training support, job creation... for those in need.

(5) Provide advice to policy makers and implementers on domestic violence prevention and control so that policies are truly effective when put into practice, ensuring that human rights and gender equality of those in need of assistance in domestic violence prevention and control work are ensured.

2.3.2 Social work services with men who commit domestic violence

According to author Tran Thi Minh Duc (2011), " Social work services are professional activities of social work providing spiritual or material support activities for people in difficult circumstances such as the poor, the disabled, children in special circumstances, the elderly, victims... or those in need of psychosocial support, legal aid to reduce barriers, injustices and inequalities in society " [25].

According to the contents stated in the report on the implementation of Decision 32/2010/QD-TTg on the Development of Social Work Profession in Vietnam, reviewing the progress of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs and UNICEF Vietnam (August 2014). Services related to social work include:

(1) Social work services for children: Orphans or abandoned children; Children with disabilities or affected by HIV; Children cared for outside the family (foster care, adoption);

(2) Social work services for families: Marriage counseling; Domestic violence;

(3) Social work services for people with disabilities;

(4) Social work services with mental health;

(5) Social work services for the elderly and homeless;

(6) Social work services to prevent social evils: Drug abuse; Human trafficking; Prostitution; HIV/AIDS;

(7) Social work services for young people in conflict with the law;

(8) Social work services for poverty reduction

The above report also summarizes that there are currently many models for providing social work services, including:

(1) Model of providing social work services at the grassroots level: Typical models are social work centers, social protection centers of each locality... Services are deployed and support for clients who need assistance is carried out at that facility.

(2) Community-based social work service delivery models: These models are provided and implemented right in the community. The aim is to mobilize community participation in assisting those in need of support.

Men who commit violence are a target group of social work services. According to the Gender Equality Department (Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs), " Working with men who commit violence is the process of using necessary methods and approaches to support men who are direct or potential perpetrators of violence against women to correctly perceive, change their perceptions and behaviors so as not to cause violence against women." [52]

The sub-law guidance documents and national programs to implement the Law on Gender Equality (2006) and the Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control (2007) emphasize three contents in the work to reduce domestic violence against men: (i) Education on life skills and family building to ensure men have the responsibility to share housework and for women's rights in the family; (ii) Changing men's behavior and counseling for perpetrators through communication activities, capacity building and intervention models; and (iii) Raising awareness and building skills for those at risk of violence. [ 50 ]

Thus, the concept of social work services for men who commit domestic violence used in this thesis can be defined as follows: ― Social work services for men who commit domestic violence are professional activities of social workers in which social workers use methods to provide support activities for men who commit domestic violence in various areas of social life including psychology, health, education, and law through different models based on the foundation of professional social work. Services for men who commit domestic violence aim to assist men who are direct or potential perpetrators of violence, aiming to change awareness, attitudes and eliminate violent behavior against women in the family, contributing to improving the effectiveness of prevention and reduction of domestic violence.”

2.3.3 Some social work services with men in reducing domestic violence

Based on the scientific basis of the role, content and form of operation of social work service models with men in reducing domestic violence; the legal basis of the state regulating the implementation of social work services in reducing domestic violence targeting the group of GBV men; the practical basis in the survey area (Quang Ninh province) is implementing social work services with men in reducing domestic violence.

In the study of domestic violence, the author has compiled 5 social work services for men in reducing domestic violence for analysis and research as follows:

2.3.3.1 Communication and education services to raise awareness in preventing domestic violence

Role:

(1) Raising awareness of people with violent behavior about domestic violence, helping them realize that their violent behavior is a violation of the law, thereby contributing to changing attitudes and eliminating acts of violence against women. From promoting changes in the awareness of individual men, it will impact and lead to changes in the behavior and lifestyle of the community, contributing to building a prosperous, equal, and happy family life.

(2) Ideological education helps to eliminate backward and conservative thinking about gender discrimination and the establishment of male power.

(3) Organize and promote actions for women's rights to actively intervene in the process of empowering women.

(4) Criticize and fight against domestic violence in the whole society

(5) Improve men's understanding and access to support services. This is the most effective channel for communicating social work services to men in the community.

Content:

(1) Propagating to raise awareness about domestic violence, causes, consequences and measures to prevent domestic violence (DV), about the law on DV, knowledge about gender equality and women's rights. Breaking down gender stereotypes, changing the community's awareness of the position and role of women. From there, women's rights are guaranteed and respected more by men. Many people are not yet aware that violence against women is an urgent social issue, but consider it a sporadic incident, a "private matter" of each family. Many people also believe that in cases of violence against women, the one who is at fault and shameful is the woman, and the one who commits the violence is just hot-tempered due to alcoholism, gambling or poverty. In addition, the media has the responsibility to create the whole society's attention to this issue. From propaganda to change awareness will impact and lead to changes in behavior and lifestyle of the community, contributing to building a prosperous, equal and happy family life.

(2) Gradually eliminate backward and conservative thoughts due to gender discrimination and the establishment of male power. Orient the media audience to thoughts and perspectives on living without violence and gender discrimination. Share life experiences, behavioral experiences, and resolving family conflicts without resorting to violence.

(3) Communicate on the issue of gender equality and domestic violence to promote and encourage progressive ideas, calling on everyone to participate in the fight against gender equality and domestic violence . Directly organize extensive communication activities to actively intervene in the process of empowering women. Highlight typical examples, outstanding figures or good measures to influence this phenomenon to encourage everyone to follow.

(4) The media also brings to the masses critical views on gender inequality and violence against women with the message that society will not tolerate these acts. At the same time, it impacts government agencies, the law... to strictly handle law violators, perpetrators of violence, and restore trust to people and those who are victims of violence.

(5) Promote social work services and support activities for victims and perpetrators of domestic violence to improve men's understanding and access to support services.

Form:

Through direct communication conferences on knowledge, laws and policies on gender equality, prevention of domestic violence; Training courses to improve knowledge related to family, skills in controlling, consulting, responding to and resolving issues of gender inequality in areas of social life and family, prevention of domestic violence; Training courses to improve anger management skills and control violent behavior; Group activities of people with violent behavior to share ways to control anger and limit violent behavior; Contests "Learning about the Law on Gender Equality" and "Learning about policies and laws on gender equality"; Handbook on gender equality and for the advancement of women; Reports, video clips, VCDs, CDs posted on mass media, provincial electronic information portals, social work newsletters; leaflets, brochures, posters; bandzon, slogan for propaganda about domestic violence prevention program...

2.3.3.2 Employment support services for male perpetrators of violence

Role: Employment support services for GBL men contribute to stabilizing family economic life, which is essential to reduce domestic violence. The purpose of implementing employment support services for GBL men is to:

(1) Help GBL men in need to find employment and create jobs

(2) Create a bridge for workers to directly promote labor relations with businesses through job fairs.

(3) Get advice on jobs that are suitable to your abilities, qualifications and circumstances.

Content:

(1) Consulting and introducing jobs for male workers through local job introduction centers.

(2) Providing information to the labor market, creating a bridge for workers inside and outside the province to directly promote labor relations with businesses.

(3) The job introduction center has the task of providing advice on employment, vocational training, and policies related to labor relations according to the provisions of labor law; introducing jobs to employees; supplying and recruiting labor according to the requirements of employers. Organizing vocational training according to the provisions of law.

(4) Connecting job opportunities for men through job fairs held monthly and on the websites of job fairs in each locality.

Form:

(1) Local employment support centers apply information technology in organizing "Job Exchanges" to improve access to support services for all groups in society, especially GBL men.

(2) Coordinate with radio stations in districts and cities to promote labor and employment; Organize consultation sessions, seminars, and workshops directly with GBL male workers in localities or distribute leaflets and promote on mass media...

(4) Social workers and related officers coordinate with vocational training facilities in the province and mass organizations to provide consultation, job introduction and output connection for workers after training.

(5) The employment support center contacts and coordinates with businesses in and outside the province to recruit workers to provide advice and introduce jobs to GBL male workers. Thereby, it helps workers easily register, look up information, and search for jobs before the recruitment requirements of businesses.

2.3.3.3 Legal advice services for male perpetrators of violence Role:

Support and provide legal issues and legal procedures related to domestic violence for men with GBL. Because when committing domestic violence, most men do not understand the state regulations on penalties for domestic violence as well as post-divorce procedures caused by domestic violence, so they need legal assistance.

Content:

(1) Legal advice for GBL men helps them understand that their violent behavior is illegal and will be punished if they reoffend, thereby contributing to reducing domestic violence.

(2) Social workers guide clients on how to defend themselves or represent clients to defend or connect with legal aid centers so that clients can use legal services and legal support in cases where GBL men are punished with a heavier penalty than the prescribed penalty for their violent behavior. In cases where the penalty is lighter than the legal penalty for the violation he actually committed. Social workers must tell him the reason why, it may be because the victim's family forgave him and asked for a reduction, or it may be that it is a first-time violation or there are other mitigating circumstances as prescribed by law.

(3) Support GBL men to write a report, describe the entire incident or write a confession (if the client is on the run but is intervened by social workers and intends to surrender).

(4) Legal support in divorce: Firstly, NVCTXH supports legal procedures including the following activities: Informing NGGBL about legal procedures, their responsibilities and rights during the divorce process; Being able to go with them to the legal aid center and connecting them to the commune and ward judicial officers to learn about the procedures, their rights, and their responsibilities; Discussing with NGGBL

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