NCJ Number
119051
Date Published
1988
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This chapter provides an analysis of five clinical models used in the treatment of wife abusers.
Abstract
The insight model is the traditional approach to understanding violence, with the broad theme being that certain intrapsychic problems, such as impaired ego-functioning, give rise to violent behavior. Criticism of this model includes preoccupation with the etiology of battering rather than the purposeful nature of violent behavior. Ventilation therapists claim that verbal aggression acts as a kind of preventive safety valve against physical aggression, however, some argue that this conveys acceptability of violent behavior. The interaction model is similar to the ventilation approach since treating both the abuser and the abused is considered essential for ending the violence. In contrast to the three previous models, the cognitive-behavioral approach makes violence the primary focus of treatment. Because power and control are seen as the fundamental issues in the prefeminist model, therapeutic interventions directly challenge the abusive man's attempts to control his partner through the use of physical force, verbal and nonverbal intimidation, and psychological abuse. 58 references.