Perceptions and treatment of trauma among men who perpetrated violence
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring perceptions and treatment of trauma among men in forensic secure care who have perpetrated violence.
IRAS ID
338888
Contact name
Gerald Jordan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 2 days
Research summary
Research suggests that many men in secure mental health hospital settings have experienced trauma in their early childhood and/or repeatedly in adulthood (McKenna et al., 2019). Additionally, Hammer et al., (2011) reports that individuals who have experienced trauma are at higher risk of behaving aggressively or violently towards others. However, men’s experiences of trauma are often neglected in the treatment of their risk of violence, which reduces the effectiveness of their treatment (Fosse et al., 2021). Currently, limited literature exists on how trauma is recognised, considered, and treated in men, particularly in those who have acted violently towards others (Kar, 2019). Therefore, if we could develop this understanding it may help to improvement the mental health and wellbeing of this population, but also work towards reducing the risk that they present to others. To develop a more meaningful understanding of trauma and its treatment for this population, we first need to understand current ways of thinking about trauma in secure services. This includes capturing both male patients’ and staff’s perspectives, as both contribute towards the cultures that exist within services and the implementation of treatment for trauma and violence. Hence, this research seeks to explore current perspectives in secure services of trauma and the treatment of trauma in men who have perpetrated violence. Semi-structured interviews will be conduced with patient participants. Focus groups will take place with staff. An interview/focus group schedule will be utilised and the interviews/focus group attendees data will be analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants will included both male service user who reside in an inpatient secure services and the staff who work in these services.
This research would add to the limited evidence base and support the development of treatment and care that is more considerate and effective at addressing men’s difficulties in secure services.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0304
Date of REC Opinion
8 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion