While Tina Eadie took the lead, the article was based on research interviews undertaken by both authors. It is important work in terms of highlighting some of the tensions in interagency work – specifically relating to values, resourcing and issues of power and control in the management of programmes for men who abuse their partners. The article is of interest to statutory and independent agencies, highlighting their different approaches. The government’s plans for a larger voluntary and private sector input into work with offenders needs to take note of these findings which demonstrate that working across sectors is always challenging.