Understanding Indigenous Australian men's compliance with domestic and family violence orders: a qualitative study of service provider perspectives.

Abstract

Objective: Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a pervasive issue in Australia, with Indigenous Australians disproportionately represented. While research is increasing specifically for victims of DFV, this is the first study to investigate factors that influence male Indigenous Australians to comply or contravene domestic and family violence orders (DFVO).

Methods: Six participants (2 males, 4 females, aged >18 years) working in service provider roles related to domestic and family violence (e.g. psychologists, social workers, counsellors, support workers). Semi-structured interviews lasted approximately 50 min, focusing on factors that participants believed influenced Indigenous men's compliance or non-compliance with DFVOs. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was conducted.

Results: Five master themes were identified relating to service providers perspectives of factors that might influence Indigenous men to contravene a DFVO: language and understanding, trauma, shame, repercussions, and trust. Three master themes emerged as factors that might contribute to compliance with a DFVO: language, specific support for respondents, and legal understanding.

Conclusions: Service providers held valuable unique perspectives on reasons for the persistence of DFV for Indigenous Australians. Participants agreed that more culturally appropriate intervention and prevention programs supporting positive cultural change would be beneficial.