The survivor-centred approach in perpetrator programmes: opportunities and obstacles from Italian experiences and best practices from Scotland.

Gender-based violence manifests itself through different forms and contexts, leading to serious consequences of multiple natures. Intimate partner violence is one of the most common manifestations of gender-based violence, especially in the domestic environment. Tackling, combating, and eliminating this phenomenon requires action from several fronts and involving multiple sides on different levels. Victim support services and perpetrator programmes are undoubtedly two crucial frontline actors. This thesis focuses on perpetrator programmes, specifically on their victim safety-oriented approach. While addressing the accountability and rehabilitation of perpetrators, the priority of these programmes must be the safety of intimate partner violence survivors. In this sense, some actions are fundamental to ensure that perpetrator programmes are as safe as possible for the victims. This study intends to investigate the potential and weaknesses encountered by the programmes while working with a survivor-oriented approach to ensure victim’s safety. In particular, the indicators considered are (ex-) partner contact, ongoing risk assessment and collaboration with victim support services. The research focuses on perpetrator programmes in Italy, providing also an example of best practices from the Caledonian System in Scotland. The conclusions address the need of strengthening the collaboration with victim support services to ensure victim’s safety, as well as the need to adopt new practices and policies.