Therapy Programs for Batterers Are Effective at Reducing Domestic Violence (From Domestic Violence: Opposing Viewpoints, P 142-148, 2000, Tamara L. Roleff, ed. -- See NCJ-185753)

• NCJ Number: 185771
• Author(s): Craig Chalquist
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: Greenhaven Press
• Publication Format: Book (Hardbound)
• Publication Type: Collected Work
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Opposing Viewpoints Series

Annotation

The author a marriage and family therapist who supervises therapy groups for men convicted of battering women in Ventura County, California, maintains group therapy gives men the opportunity to confront and change their behavior and attitudes.

Abstract

The therapist believes batterers need to understand that they alone are responsible for their behavior and need to be taught how to control their anger. Most of the men in the therapy groups in Ventura County have already done time. The groups clearly demonstrate failing to confront batterers makes them worse. Group therapy for men who batter their wives and female partners can have a positive impact in reducing domestic violence. In particular, some men learn self-control in group therapy and are better able to acknowledge their responsibility and modify their behavior. In addition, long-time participants in the therapy groups are very effective in helping new members acknowledge their responsibility and move beyond the use of violence.