PhD defence I.W.M. (Irma) Cleven

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation: 

This thesis explores victim experiences of penal protection orders (PPOs) in cases of ex-partner violence. PPOs are issued by a prosecutor or judge, prohibit the suspect or offender to contact the victim and/or enter certain areas, usually the victim's residential area. Prior Dutch research indicates PPOs are often violated slightly over half of the victims indicate they did not feel safer after issuance. Prior research also shows victims may face several challenges after issuance. Therefore, this thesis explores how and when penal protection orders contribute to victim safety and well-being. This knowledge could help improve victim support after PPO issuance and thereby increase victim safety and well-being. The findings, based on a scoping review, a victim survey and interviews with 20 victims who are protected by a PPO and 23 social workers assisting them, reveal both the limitations of PPOs in empowering survivors and the opportunities to enhance survivor empowerment. They underscore the importance of enhancing survivors' sense of self-efficacy, their expectations of support regarding monitoring and enforcement and their actual support. When so doing, it is important to view PPOs as part of an integrative approach to preventing and reducing (ex-)partner violence. Practices can be bettered by improving the quality of the CJS’ information provision, removing the barriers to reporting violations and increasing access to support from CJS professionals after issuance. Community officers who function as a fixed point of contact – and social workers – can play an important role in this regard.