The process of primary desistance from intimate partner violence

This study examined the interaction between structure and agency for individuals in the first or early phase of primary desistance (one year offending free) from intimate partner violence (IPV). Narrative accounts of perpetrators, survivors and IPV programme facilitators were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Changes in the self and the contexts, structures and conditions were necessary to promote desistance. Perpetrators made behavioural and cognitive changes taking on different identities (agentic role) by removing external stressors and instability within the confines of a supportive environment (structural role). Findings provide a theoretical framework of desistance from IPV that integrates social processes and subjective change.