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Worldwide, sexual violence is a significant public health issue. Although any person can be victimized, the vast majority of sexual violence is perpetrated by men against women. Research has increasingly explored the experiences of victims, however, the perspectives of male perpetrators of sexual violence have largely been sidelined. This limits the ability to design effective public health and policy responses to sexual violence. Our aim was to synthesize the available peer-reviewed qualitative research exploring the perspectives of adult male perpetrators of sexual violence against women. Five databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL and SocINDEX. We included qualitative, peer-reviewed English-language studies published in the past 40 years, focused on the perceptions and experiences of male perpetrators of sexual violence. Fourteen articles (describing 12 studies) were identified. Most (10) of the articles examined the perspectives of convicted male sex offenders serving a custodial sentence. Of the remaining four articles, two focused on anonymous users of the online forum, Reddit.com, and the remaining two focused on students on university campuses. These four articles were the most recent. We developed four major themes from our thematic analysis of the study findings that represent the experiences and perceptions of male perpetrators of sexual violence. These themes describe deflecting blame onto the victim, external circumstances as mitigating factors, or the perpetrator's uncontrollable biological urges. One theme involved some expression of remorse or acceptance of responsibility. Although our findings may have implications for prevention and rehabilitation programs, further research is urgently needed in this area.

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Research has pointed to difficulties in emotion regulation as a risk factor for perpetrating intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW). While efforts have been made to understand the brain mechanisms underlying emotion regulation strategies such as reappraisal, little is known about the intrinsic neural dynamics supporting this strategy in male perpetrators. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to characterise the network dynamics underlying reappraisal. Spectral dynamic causal modelling was performed to examine the effective connectivity (EC) within a predefined reappraisal-related brain network. 26 men convicted for an IPVAW crime [male perpetrators] were compared to 29 men convicted of other crimes [other offenders] and 29 men with no criminal records [non-offenders]. The ability to down-regulate emotions in response to IPVAW stimuli was used as a covariate to explore its association with male perpetrators' EC. The analysis revealed that (1) compared to non-offenders, both convicted groups exhibited increased EC within prefrontal areas, enhanced EC from prefrontal to temporoparietal regions and decreased EC in the opposite direction; (2) male perpetrators compared to other offenders showed increased EC from temporoparietal to prefrontal regions and, increased EC from the supplementary motor area to frontal areas; (3) connections involving dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were found to be potential predictors of the ability to down-regulate emotions. The study provides a deeper characterisation of the brain architecture of the processes that underlie IPVAW. This knowledge could inform the work of adaptive emotion regulation strategies in intervention programmes for male perpetrators in order to reduce the high recidivism rates.

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In Jordan, premarital romantic relationships are still socially unacceptable as they contradict traditional values and norms. Although previous studies have examined cyber dating abuse (CDA), few have utilized an exploratory qualitative design to clarify male abusers' perceptions of their motivations, particularly in Arabic and clan environments. Therefore, this study conducted a thematic qualitative analysis of 47 male university students aged 19-26 and asked about their experiences and beliefs regarding their engagement in CDA against female romantic partners via social media (WhatsApp, Facebook) and mobile phone. Two themes were identified: (1) contexts and motivations for male perpetration of CDA (2) consequences of CDA for the male perpetrators. The results revealed that control and direct aggression and sexual behaviors are common practices among male perpetrators; gender identity and male entitlement are related factors, enabling and normalizing male abusive behavior. Women, taught to be submissive by Jordanian society, are unable to defend themselves. Hence, CDA also predicts offline intimate partner violence-related behaviors. Moreover, the main motives for CDA from the perspective of male perpetrators are anger, jealousy, revenge, abandonment, feeling betrayed by female partners, earning money, sexual exploitation, and incitement by another woman. The results suggest that engaging in CDA behaviors can negatively impact perpetrators' physical and psychological health as well as their social and academic behaviors. These results confirm that efforts to reduce CDA that may lead to domestic violence against women must address the social pressures and context of violence, including masculinity and patriarchal domination.

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Social mentalizing refers to the ability to understand the intentions, causes, emotions and beliefs of another person or the self and is crucial for interpersonal understanding. Disturbances in this process may lead to aggressive and violent behaviors. Literature has shown that male perpetrators convicted for intimate partner crime (IPVAW) present alterations in different measures related to social mentalizing, in particular, they present more irrational thoughts toward women and difficulties in emotional recognition and empathy processes. However, the brain mechanisms underlying this process are still unknown. The aim of this study is to examine the resting-state functional connectivity of the cerebellar Crus II area, as a core component of social mentalizing in male perpetrators, and to explore if this connectivity is associated with social mentalizing processes. To achieve these objectives, we compared the resting-state connectivity of 25 men convicted for an IPVAW crime (male perpetrators) with 29 men convicted for other crimes (other offenders) and 28 men with no criminal records (non-offenders) using a seed-based whole brain analysis. Subsequently, correlations were performed to explore the association between the significant connectivity networks and social mentalizing measures only in male perpetrators of IPVAW. Analyses showed that male perpetrators of IPVAW exhibit hyperconnectivity between Crus II and posterior areas of the default mode network, frontoparietal and limbic areas compared to other offenders and non-offenders. In addition, the greater connectivity found between the Crus II and the posterior default mode network was related to a greater number of distorted thoughts about women and less affective empathy in male perpetrators of IPVAW. These results show that connectivity between the cerebellum and the default mode network may underlie the social processes that are at the basis of intimate partner violence perpetration.

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BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a population health problem linked to a myriad of negative psychological, physical, emotional, sexual and reproductive health outcomes for women. The movement towards working with boys and men over the past couple of decades has increased the number of interventions specifically directed at men who perpetrate violence against a female partner. There is little evidence-based research on key characteristics of effective interventions directed at men to reduce or prevent IPV against female partners. The objective of this systematic review is to identify interventions specifically directed at males , as the perpetrators of violence against women, that have proven to be effective in preventing or reducing intimate partner violence. METHODS: The following electronic databases will be used to search for peer-reviewed studies: MEDLINE (OVID), Embase (OVID), PsycInfo (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), Global Health (EBSCO), Gender Watch (ProQuest), Web of Science (Web of Knowledge), PROSPERO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Database (Ovid) and SCOPUS. We will include randomized control trials, non-randomized studies of interventions published in peer-reviewed journals and relevant unpublished manuscripts, books/chapters and clinical or programme study reports. Studies have to demonstrate direction of effect (i.e. pre-post intervention/difference between groups) in terms of prevention or reduction in the outlined outcomes. Primary outcomes include change in behaviour and knowledge of male perpetrator regarding the impact of IPV on women as well as women's experience of IPV. Secondary outcomes include change in behaviours around substance use and social activities, decrease in negative mental health outcomes and interactions with law enforcement. Studies will be screened, appraised and extracted by two reviewers; any conflicts will be resolved through discussion. Narrative synthesis will be used to analyse and present findings. If sufficient and comparable data is available, a meta-analysis will be conducted. DISCUSSION: This review will provide synthesized evidence on interventions directed at males to reduce or prevent their perpetration of intimate partner violence against female partners. Implications for practice will include key characteristics of interventions proven to be effective based on evidence synthesis and certainty of findings. Recommendations for further research will also be considered. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: This protocol was submitted for registration in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on September 4, 2020.

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OBJECTIVE: This study explored the differential psychopathological profile between male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) with and without problematic alcohol use (PAU). METHOD: A sample of 981 men was recruited from a specialized IPV perpetrators treatment programme. All of them were assessed with the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2), and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III). Comparisons between perpetrators with (n = 125) and without (n = 856) PAU on all the variables studied were carried out. RESULTS: Perpetrators with PAU were less frequently employed and had higher rates of previous psychiatric history and childhood family violence. Moreover, they presented with higher levels of cognitive biases about women and violence. On a psychopathological level, participants with PAU reported significantly higher scores on the SCL-90-R, on the STAXI-2, and on almost all the MCMI-III scales than did those without PAU. The multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the main variables related to PAU were as follows: higher levels of previous psychiatric history, distorted thoughts about women, depression, drug dependence, and various personality disorders (bipolar, dysthymia, antisocial, avoidant, borderline, and schizotypal); and lower scores on internal control, anger reaction, paranoid ideation, and schizoid personality disorders. DISCUSSION: IPV perpetrators with PAU have a more severe psychopathological profile than those without PAU. Additionally, several variables along with PAU may have contributed to the development of IPV. Therefore, tailored interventions should be developed for those perpetrators with PAU.

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This study explored the differential prevalence of personality disorders (PD) and clinical syndromes between male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) with and without a history of childhood family violence (CFV). A sample of 981 perpetrators of IPV was assessed with the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III). Comparisons of sociodemographic characteristics and MCMI-III scales' scores between perpetrators with (n = 293) and without (n = 688) CFV were carried out. Results showed that IPV perpetrators with CFV had a lower level of education, were less frequently employed, and had higher rates of previous psychiatric history than perpetrators without CFV. Statistically significant differences between groups in almost all the MCMI-III scales were found. Perpetrators with CFV presented with higher scores on most of the evaluated scales and showed a more severe psychopathological profile than perpetrators without CFV. The multivariate analysis showed that the main MCMI-III domains related to CFV were higher scores on the disclosure and alcohol dependence scales and lower scores on the passive-aggressive scale. These findings reveal that CFV is associated with a more severe psychopathological profile in perpetrators of IPV. In order to develop tailored interventions, the presence of CFV and psychopathological symptoms should be assessed in IPV perpetrators.

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Resumo: Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a alegação apresentada por homens autores de violência doméstica, contra as suas companheiras (ou ex-companheiras), pelo cometimento de seus atos. Os fatores relatados por esses homens demonstram o seu não reconhecimento enquanto sujeitos autores de violência contra a mulher. Desse modo, os motivos alegados podem ser importante matéria para a construção de políticas públicas de enfrentamento e prevenção, bem como estratégias interventivas junto a esses sujeitos.

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to analyze the allegations made by male domestic violence perpetrators against their female partners (or former female partners) for the commission of their acts. The factors reported by these men demonstrate their non-recognition as perpetrators of violence against women. Thus, the reasons given may be important matter for the construction of public policies of coping and prevention and intervention strategies with these subjects.

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Resumo Objetivou-se analisar o cenário de produção de sentidos em um grupo reflexivo para homens autores de violência conjugal: posicionamentos, dificuldades e efeitos que o grupo suscita em seus diferentes atores - homens e facilitadoras. Para tanto, foi realizada observação participante durante 10 sessões, com registros em diário de campo. A posteriori realizaram-se entrevistas semiestruturadas com dois integrantes do grupo e as profissionais condutoras. De modo geral, o grupo demonstrou ser um ambiente propício de produção, circulação e atualização de repertórios discursivos sobre o fenômeno da violência de gênero. No entanto, estes deslocamentos discursivos não acontecem de forma homogênea, tampouco sem dificuldades e tensões. O campo e os dados das entrevistas revelaram dificuldades provenientes de diferentes ordens: tanto operacional/metodológicas, institucional/burocráticas, mas, sobretudo, acerca do vínculo profissionais/homens por este se sustentar por um frágil "acordo judicial".

Resumen El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar el escenario de producción de significados en un grupo reflexivo de hombres autores de violencia conyugal: posiciones, dificultades y efectos que tiene el grupo sobre sus diferentes actores - hombres y facilitadores. Para eso, se realizó observación participante durante 10 sesiones, con registro en un diario de campo. Posteriormente, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con dos miembros del grupo y los profesionales directores. En general, el grupo resultó ser un entorno propicio para la producción, circulación y actualización de repertorios discursivos sobre el fenómeno de la violencia de género. Sin embargo, estos desplazamientos discursivos no ocurren de manera homogénea, tampoco sin dificultades y tensiones. El campo y los datos de las entrevistas revelaron dificultades derivadas de diferentes órdenes: tanto operacional/metodológico, institucional/burocrático, pero, sobre todo, acerca del vínculo profesional/masculino porque se sustenta en un frágil "acuerdo judicial".

Abstract This article aimed to analyze the scenario of production of meanings in a reflexive group for men who committed conjugal violence: the positioning, difficulties and effects the group has in its different actors - men and facilitators. For this, 10 sessions of participative observation were made, being reported on a field journal, as well as semi-structured interviews with two group members and the conductive professionals. Generally, the group has shown itself to be propitious for the production, circulation and update of discursive repertoires on the gender violence phenomena. However, these discursive movements do not happen in a homogeneous form, nor without struggles and tensions. The fieldwork and the data from the interview revealed difficulties of different orders: operational/methodological, institutional/bureaucratic, but, above all, on the professional/men bond as it is sustained by a fragile "judicial agreement".

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O presente artigo apresenta a elaboração de uma metodologia de intervenção desenvolvida durante um projeto de educação e atenção psicossocial com homens autores de violência conjugal que foram autuados pela Lei Maria da Penha. Esta atividade consiste no suporte ao Serviço de Responsabilização e Educação do Agressor (SARE), criado para o cumprimento das prerrogativas da Lei Maria da Penha. O projeto ancorou-se nos pressupostos da Psicologia Histórico-Cultural e da Pedagogia Libertadora. A partir dos princípios norteadores da proposta, foram desenvolvidos os encontros com os homens, nos quais se privilegiou um espaço de vinculação, dialogicidade e construção conjunta. Foram elaboradas, como resultados do projeto, estratégias metodológicas participativas de intervenção, para homens autores de agressão conjugal, que possibilitaram a reformulação dos sentidos de masculinidade, gênero e relação conjugal. Os dados construídos nesta experiência podem se constituir em aporte metodológico para intervenções posteriores e para reflexões sobre políticas públicas nessa temática.

This actual paper presents the development of an interventionist methodology developed during a project of education and psychosocial care along with male perpetrators of domestic violence who were prosecuted by the Maria da Penha Law. This activity consists in supporting the Service for Responsability and Education of the aggressor, created for compliance with the prerogatives from the Maria da Penha Law. The project was grounded on the presupposition of Historical-Cultural Psychology and Pedagogy of Liberation. Based on the guiding principles of the proposal, we developed the encounters with men that privileged space of bonding, dialog and joint construction. It was elaborated, as a result of the project, participative methodological strategies for intervention with the male perpetrators of conjugal aggression that enabled the reformulation of the meanings of masculinity, gender and conjugal relationship. The data raised in this experience can constitute at methodological assistance for posterior interventions and for reflections on public policy on this issue.

El trabajo se presenta el desarrollo de una metodología de intervención desarrollada mientras un proyecto de educación y atención psicosocial a los hombres que han cometido violencia conyugal que fueron penalizados por la Ley "Maria da Penha". Esta actividad es un apoyo a los Servicios de Responsabilidad y Educación de los Agresores - SARE, creados para satisfacer las prerrogativas de la Ley "Maria da Penha". El proyecto está anclado en los supuestos de la Psicología Histórico-Cultural y de la Pedagogía de la Liberación. Desde los principios rectores de la propuesta, las reuniones con los hombres fueran desarrolladas, donde se privilegió un espacio de unión, de diálogo y de construcción conjunta. Se construyeron, como los resultados del proyecto, las estrategias metodológicas participativas de intervención con los autores de agresión conyugal que permitieron la transformación de los sentidos de masculinidad, de género y la relación conyugal, y el cuestionamiento de las normas establecidas de esta relación, que consiste en un enfoque metodológico para las futuras intervenciones y para reflexiones sobre las políticas públicas en este tema.

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HIV disproportionately affects women, which propagates the disparities gap. This study was designed to (a) explore the personal, cognitive, and psychosocial factors of intimate partner violence among women with HIV; (b) explore the perceptions of male perpetrators' roles in contributing to violence; and (c) determine the implications for methodological and data source triangulation. A concurrent Mixed Method study design was used, including 30 African American male and female participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Eleven themes were identified in the qualitative data from the female (n = 15) and 9 themes from the male (n = 15) participant interviews using Giorgi's technique. Data sources and methodological approaches were triangulated with relative convergence in the results. Preliminary data generated from this study could inform gender-based feasibility research studies. These studies could focus on integrating findings from this study in HIV/intimate partner violence prevention interventions and provide clinical support for women.

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