NCJ Number
190019
Date Published
2001
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This discussion of fathers who perpetrate adult domestic assault reviews existing research and emerging issues regarding fathers who batter and outlines research issues that need attention.
Abstract
The analysis considers the concerns of the domestic violence movement and the fatherhood movement. The discussion notes that most fathers continue to have contact with their children even after separating from their partners. The fatherhood movement focuses on encouraging fathers’ involvement in their children’s lives. The movement includes father involvement advocates, responsible-fatherhood groups, and fathers’ rights groups. These groups generally regard adult domestic assault as a result of conflict and negative interactions. The groups differ regarding their willingness to acknowledge and respond to male violence. Fathers’ rights groups complain that men are unfairly excluded from contact with children due to charges of domestic violence. Many fatherhood advocates are uninformed or misinformed about the status of battered women and children. These advocates need to be aware of the issues and concerns of battered women to examine critically how to respond to the behavior of fathers who batter. Among needed research areas are the prediction of recidivism in battering, the education of court systems and human services professionals, abusive men who have changed as a result of treatment, battered women’s choices, and the impact of exposure to violence, and effectiveness of group counseling interventions. Domestic violence advocates and father involvement supporters need to create an alliance to inform social welfare policy and provide more comprehensive services for families in need. 48 references