Preventing intimate partner violence against women in Italy: benefits and limits of perpetrator programmes

The aim of this thesis is to explore the prevention of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) in Italy through the use of perpetrator programmes, implemented by specialised centres known as CUAVs (Centres for men perpetrators or potential perpetrators of gender-based violence). The approach adopted in this study is a shift of perspective: from the traditional focus on the victims, primarily women, to the ones, mainly men, responsible for perpetrating such violence. The thesis argues that such violence is not a “women’s problem”, but rather a “perpetrators’ problem”, hence the focus on programmes dedicated to perpetrators, aimed at preventing the recurrence and escalation of gender-based violent acts, and at fostering accountability. To conduct this study, the general conceptual context related to gender-based violence against women is examined, exploring its causes and structural nature, and providing legal definitions of related concepts. The legal framework is then analysed at international, European, and Italian levels, encompassing measures related to the fight against IPVAW and the legal basis for perpetrator programmes. Through academic research, legal analysis, and interviews with professionals from Italian CUAVs, the thesis explores the benefits and impacts of perpetrator programmes, supported by recent data. Additionally, this study aims to identify the risks associated with these programmes and the strategies required to mitigate them, particularly concerning the safety of the survivors. The Italian political context is also considered, examining its prevention policies and initiatives, to identify persistent shortcomings. In addition, some policy recommendations are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of IPVAW prevention efforts in Italy. Lastly, the study provides concrete insights into the everyday work of CUAVs, analysing the difficulties they encounter and the risks they need to manage, along with exploring the strategies they are implementing, drawn mainly from the interviews with CUAVs professionals.