Belisle’s study looks at how male probation officers work with female clients in a program designed specifically for women. It is the first study to explore this topic.
The research found that when male probation officers use approaches that consider women’s unique experiences, strengths and needs, they can have a positive impact—showing that an officer’s skills are more important than their gender. However, the study also found that male officers face some challenges specific to their gender when working in this role. The findings suggest that more research is needed to better understand these dynamics.