Study: Sociological Profiling of Perpetrators of Domestic Violence

Brief Description

In 2018, the Parliamentary Gender Caucus with assistance from the UNDP conducted a study on the “Sociological Profiling of Perpetrators of Domestic Violence” to provide a sociological analysis of the characteristics of perpetrators who use violence in their intimate partner relationships in Mauritius. Retracing the evolution of perpetrators, the study further identified the risk factors and triggers of domestic violence from their childhood to adulthood; proposed recommendations for the support and rehabilitation of perpetrators and support to victims; and addressed the broader socioeconomic and cultural context that supports this behaviour. The study revealed inter alia that there is not one single profile of a perpetrator of domestic violence; rather there are numerous risk factors and situational triggers to domestic violence. The study argued that the perpetration of violence is multi-causal, and multifarious, ranging from psychological abuse to physical acts of violence. The profile of a perpetrator of domestic violence includes, inter alia, being manipulative, jealous, emotional and having strong patriarchal values. The study made a series of recommendations for the rehabilitation of perpetrators.