Today marks the international day for the elimination of violence against womenwith initiatives and events spread across the area to raise awareness among the population. An event that concerns both women and men themselves, protagonists of episodes of violence that are not always deliberate and conscious.
To investigate this other side of the coin, sometimes unmentioned or ignored, the microphones of Radio Babboleo listened Davide Parma, psychotherapist and clinical coordinator of White Dove, a Genoese association that since 1982 has welcomed men eager to change their lives after a history of violence towards women.
White Dove is part of a progressively expanding national network that provides escape routes aimed at men and aimed at eradicating the germ of violence, as well as promoting awareness of the acts committed. The setting up of these projects is foreseen by the same “Red Code” on gender violence, promulgated in July 2019.
We start with a series of three or four individual appointmentsto retrace and limit violent conduct. At a later time the men are integrated into collective projectsof variable duration and not less than one year, which constitute the actual work.
Those who turn to or are referred to the center do not have a homogeneous socio-cultural profile, as the White Dove coordinator himself explains:
” Gender violence is deep-rooted and transversal in our country. This means that within the groups we find people who are very different from each other. The profiles differ in level of education or employment situation, and there is no specific identikit or history. However, all men have in common the fact that they have been in mostly emotional relationships in which something, at a certain point, went wrong. There are events, such as the arrival of a child or a phase of conflict in the couple, which can lead to crises in the couple. The men welcomed by the center struggled to manage these moments, ending up committing violence.”
The results of the proposed paths, observes Parma, are tangible and comforting:
“Almost all the men who arrive stop violence in future relationships. Psychological violence requires more in-depth work, at least a year in a group, because the methods are invisible and require going deep inside. A good synergy and working alliance is always established with men, and we always leave the possibility of calling in moments of crisis and in cases of “relapse”. Fortunately, no calls have yet arrived from those who have already completed the route.”
How does White Dove’s approach to therapy differ from traditional methods, and why is this tailored approach especially effective for men perpetrating violence?
## Breaking the Cycle: An Interview on Men, Violence, and the Path to Change
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into pressing social issues. Today, we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by focusing on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect: the role of men in addressing and preventing violence. We are joined by two distinguished guests:
* **Davide Parma**, psychotherapist and clinical coordinator of White Dove, a Genoese association supporting men who have committed violence against women.
* **Dr. [Name of another guest, e.g., a sociologist or gender violence expert]**, whose expertise will provide a broader societal perspective on this complex issue.
**Section 1: Dismantling Stereotypes**
**Host:** Davide, your work with White Dove challenges prevalent stereotypes about perpetrators of violence against women. Can you elaborate on the diverse backgrounds and motivations of the men who come to your center?
**Davide:**
**(Open-ended response from Davide highlighting the non-homogeneous profile of the men.)**
**Host:** Dr. [Guest Name], how does this diversity challenge our understanding of gender violence and its root causes?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:**
**(Open-ended response from the expert, potentially touching upon social, economic, and cultural factors influencing violence.)**
**Section 2: The Journey of Change**
**Host:** Davide, can you walk us through the process men undergo at White Dove? What are the key stages involved in helping them confront their violent behavior?
**Davide:**
**(Detailed explanation of the individualized and group therapy approach, emphasizing self-reflection, understanding triggers, and developing healthy coping mechanisms.)**
**Host:** Dr. [Guest Name], what are the biggest challenges and obstacles men face during this process of change?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:**
**(Open-ended response from the expert, discussing potential internal struggles, societal pressures, and barriers to seeking help.)**
**Section 3: Impact and Prevention**
**Host:** Davide, White Dove celebrates a remarkable success rate in helping men stop violence. Can you share your insights on what contributes to these positive outcomes?
**Davide:**
**(Discussion on the effectiveness of their methods, building empathy, developing accountability, and the ongoing support network.)**
**Host:** Dr. [Guest Name], how can we leverage these successful models to implement more comprehensive prevention strategies on a larger scale?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:**
**(Ideas on expanding these programs, educating the public, challenging harmful norms, and fostering a culture of non-violence.)**
**Concluding Remarks:**
**Host:** Today’s conversation sheds light on a critical yet often silenced aspect of violence against women. We thank our guests, Davide Parma and Dr. [Guest Name], for their invaluable insights.
Remember, breaking the cycle of violence requires a multi-faceted approach involving individual accountability, societal support, and a commitment to fostering a world free from gender-based violence.
