Practice Goals and Theory

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions for domestic violence offenders were developed by psychologists to treat violent behavior. These interventions approach violence as a learned behavior, and according to a CBT model of psychology, nonviolence can also be learned by domestic violence perpetrators. CBT attempts to change the behavior by identifying the thought processes and beliefs that contribute to the offenders’ violence. These mental pathways to violence, as well as the justifications for violent behavior, are challenged. Physically abusive men are encouraged to think about and change their understanding of violence, examine the circumstances surrounding their violence, and to disrupt the cognitive chain of events that leads to their commission of violent acts of domestic abuse. By demonstrating how offenders use violence as an anger outlet, to obtain compliance from the victim, and to empower themselves with a sense of control, therapists encourage change in perpetrators’ thinking about violence while teaching them cognitive behavioral techniques such as communication skills, nonviolent assertiveness, social skills, and anger management techniques. Usually, CBT models of treatment for domestic violence also address the emotions underlying the violent behaviors, as well as the perpetrator’s attitudes towards women.

I would like to recommend the book, Unclenching OUr Fists by Sara Elinoff Acker. I think it gives a realistic idea of how rare and difficult it is for a man to overcome his violent and controlling behavior--but that it can happen.

I respectfully but completely disagree with Dr. CHeong that trauma treatment will lead to a cessation of violent and controlling behaviors. Many men are violent and controlling without trauma. Many traumatized men are not violent and controlling. Recovering from trauma may be an essential first step for a man who is violent and controlling, but it will not be sufficient. It is essential to address the violence and control directly.

Part of the problem of groups for men who batter and also for measuring their efficacy is a question of goals. Is the goal for the person who batters simply to stop using physical violence, or is the goal ALSO to stop dominating his partner in all ways? This is a crucial distinction.

The concept of Coercive Control is useful here. Evan Stark's 2007 book called Coercive COntrol discusses the failures of groups for men who batter. I also (immodestly) recommend my book, Invisible Chains: Overcoming Coercive Control in Your Intimate Relationship, which just came out this month.

Peter could you please share a resource or two in English--if they exist--on your work. The GUilt-prone/shame-prone distinction seems to concern the batterer's internal life. How does this correlate with changed behaviors in the world?

In a situation where one person is oppressing another, hurting her, scaring her, and restricting her freedom, I'm curious about the concrete evidence that the internal changes that you describe lead to actual behavioral change in the relationship. This is not a theoretical exercise or question--I want to know if the female partner is safer and freer. Have you investigated this?

You say you have groups for both members of the couple. Do you collect data from the women in a confidential situation that demonstrates that they are happier in their relationship and that there are fewer instances of controlling behaviors after the man has completed the groups?

For a woman whose partner is oppressing her, his internal changes may be well and good, but unless he is changing HOW HE TReATS HER, she has not been helped by the intervention. I don't think this is a complicated concept.

Do you see where I'm coming from?

Peter, I am not trying to be critical. I hope you will become interested in something beyond the "emotional content in therapies," especially when we are speaking about issues that include violence. The bottom line when it comes to batterers treatment is, "Is the person being abused safer and freer after the treatment than she was before?"  I don't think anyone runs groups for men who batter in the hope that they become bettter-adjusted individuals who continue to batter and dominate. We want to see changes in how they relate to their partners. For this, we have to ask the right questions, and we have to focus treatment on behaviors. 

Check out Evan Stark's writing on Batterer's groups in his book, Coercive Control, and/or check out my new book: Invisible Chains: OVercoming Coercive COntrol in Your Intimate Relationship.

Unfortunately much of the treatment for men who batter does not change their behavior!

I am not aware of the best treatment for batterers.  However, I believe that it would have to have strong components of Cognitive behavioral therapy.  Also, because many batterers have either been abused as children or witnessed others being abused, trauma informed techniques should be incorporated in treatments and desensitization to triggers that trigger behaviors.

Have some suggestions....mostly from the Journal for Specialists in Group Work...

Valerie Roy on RG:  Roy, V., Lindsay, J., & Dallaire, L. (2013). Mixed-Gender Co-Facilitation in Therapeutic Groups for Men Who Have Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence: Group Members' Perspectives. Journal For Specialists In Group Work, 38(1), 3-29. doi:10.1080/01933922.2012.732981

Waldo, M., Kerne, P., & Kerne, V. (2007). Therapeutic factors in guidance versus counseling sessions of domestic violence groups. Journal For Specialists In Group Work, 32(4), 346-361 16p.

Not research but could be interesting:

On RG, I think...Pender, Rebecca. L. (2012). ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: An Evaluation of the Duluth Model. Journal For Specialists In Group Work, 37(3), 218-231 14p. doi:10.1080/01933922.2011.632813

Possibly good for Chapter 2 of dissertation:  Jeremy Linton...Linton, J. M., Bischof, G. H., & McDonnell, K. A. (2005). Solution-Oriented Treatment Groups for Assaultive behavior. Journal For Specialists In Group Work, 30(1), 5-21. doi:10.1080/01933920590908624