The lived experiences of Turkish perpetrators' engagement in domestic violence interventions

This thesis aims to interpret the key issues of Turkish perpetrators' engagement in programmes that work with domestic violence perpetrators in the UK. The main aim of this is to examine how Turkish male perpetrators' unique circumstances related to their migration status, racial and cultural backgrounds, and other social structures shape their involvement in an intervention process. In focusing on experiences of Turkish men during interventions, it is clear that their interactions and responses play significant roles in understanding the influences of engagement within a broader context. Through direct testimony from nine Turkish men and eleven professionals given in interviews, this thesis explores their experiences and perspectives of involvement which can improve our understanding of key issues around interventions. Utilising data drawn from semi-structured interviews with Turkish men who had been in interventions, this thesis contributes to understanding how a number of different interactions shaped their responses. Interviews with professionals also provided an understanding of the implications of perpetrators' engagement in interventions. The findings highlight that men's social, cultural and religious backgrounds - as well as opportunities to access a culturally-sensitive service - are core elements in determining whether the perpetrators engage in interventions. This study enhances our understanding of the importance of focusing on men's constructions of masculinity and gender power relations in their participation in interventions. The results demonstrate the importance of adopting culturally-sensitive strategies which include professionals understanding men's social, cultural and religious backgrounds, and being aware of racism and discrimination and migration-related stressors by developing trust and rapport. It is also recommended that implementing community-based practices can initiate collaborative work with Turkish communities. Through these practices, the men can seek to address their violent behaviour.