Perpetrator Pattern-Based Approach Training in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s leading social services agency, Po Leung Kuk, hosted a two-day perpetrator pattern-based approach training with David Mandel. The event, which was planned in conjunction with the University of Hong Kong’s Dr. Anna Choi, focused on the application of the Safe & Together Model in the Hong Kong context. This was the first time the agency has brought over an international expert to speak on the issue of domestic violence. The training, which focused on the practice principles and tools of the Safe & Together Model, provided continuing evidence of the cross-cultural relevance and international implications of a perpetrator pattern-based approach to the intersection of domestic violence and children.
The following is a sampling of the participant's responses to the evaluation question,
“What part of the training did you like the most?”
“Easy to follow, model easy to apply, nice example of application”
“Great reflection on how to work with DV case”
“The steps and the skill for the interviewing”
“Reflection on ‘The role of “Father/Man”
“Guidance to read case notes, find out the gap of information”
In addition to presenting his workshop, David Mandel had the opportunity to tour the Po Leung Kuk facilities including one of its three domestic violence refuges and the only supervised visitation center in Hong Kong. David was impressed with Po Leung Kuk's progressive practices including kennels which allow refuge residents to bring their animals with them. The shelter also included a wing to house families with boys up to the age of 18. The absence of these practices can be significant barrier to families seeking safety at a domestic violence refuge.
On both training days, David was joined by Dr. Anna Choi who facilitated a discussion of Hong Kong context related to intimate partner violence and child abuse. Each day David and Dr. Choi led a case discussion, based on a real local case, that illustrated the application of the Safe and Together Model to local social work practice. For example, the perpetrator pattern-based approach was very applicable to the cultural context of in-laws often playing a significant part in the pattern of abuse.