Intimate partner violence perpetration: The ADVANCE-Digital Programme for men

Background: Our research found that men’s substance use was linked with abusive behaviour towards their female partner when intoxicated, craving, in withdrawal, and when acquiring substances.  But the pharmacological properties of substances were rarely the only explanation as intimate partner violence perpetration (IPV-P) was tied up with sexual jealousy and perceptions of partners behaving improperly and opposing male authority. Four in 10 men in substance use treatment have been abusive towards their female partner in the last year, far higher than rates among men in the general population. Despite the elevated prevalence of IPV-P, men in substance use treatment rarely meet threshold for existing perpetrator programmes and are more likely to drop-out when they are referred. Substance use treatment services often lack clear protocols, care pathways, guidance, and supervision in undertaking this work. Tailored approaches are required to reduce IPV-P by men in substance use treatment. We developed the ADVANCE group perpetrator programme to address this gap. Pre-pandemic there was little evidence about remote delivery of perpetrator programmes. We adapted ADVANCE for digitally-supported remote delivery (ADVANCE-D).  

Methods: During this workshop, staff will aquire practical skills to 1) understand the link between IPV-P and substance use, 2) learn how to identify IPV-P, 3) how to profile risk and vulnerability factors and 4) work with men following disclosure of IPV-P using examples from research and practice. This interactive workshop will demonstrate how the person-based approach and mHealth development framework were used to iteratively adapt ADVANCE for digitally-supported facilitator training and delivery including conceptualization, formative research, and pre-testing with input from service users and providers. An interactive overview of the ADVANCE-D Programme and online training will be presented, alongisde findings and lessons learned from its delivery in practice. 

Results: ADVANCE-D is the first UK remotely delivered programme to reduce IPV-P in the context of substance use. Over 14-weeks and 32 sessions, ADVANCE-D teaches men how to reduce IPV-P by promoting self-regulation, distress tolerance and personal goal setting. ADVANCE-D comprises a goal setting session, 7 fortnightly video groups, 12 weekly self-directed website sessions with a digital coach to recap and practise skills learned in the group followed by an individual coaching call with a facilitator. Enhanced risk management and support is provided tor (ex)partners. Online self-directed learning, assessment and certification for substance use treatment workers was developed to support its delivery.  

Discussion: The use of digital technologies in substance use treatment delivery and workforce training provides greater reach, flexibility and access.