NCJ Number
189777
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 309-321
Date Published
September 2001
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article details a series of behaviors of batterers that occurred since being convicted of battering.
Abstract
Data were obtained from a sample of 165 persons convicted of violating the Michigan Spousal Abuse Act. Of the predominantly white participants, 90 percent were male and 10 percent were female. Ages ranged from 18 to 68 with the mean at 35 years. The majority was employed. Alcohol was self-reported to be involved in 36 percent of the cases and drugs in 4 percent of the cases. The behaviors clustered into two factors. The first was an Ambivalent Contact Pattern whereby behaviors of batterers were associated with contacting their ex-partner, sending gifts and letters, and watching then without their knowing while harboring conflicting feelings of love, hate, and anger. The second was a Predatory Contact Pattern whereby the behaviors of batterers were associated with hang up calls, entering their ex-partner's home without permission, and threatening or physically causing harm to their ex-partner while harboring a propensity for abusiveness. Based on these results, clinicians should assess batterers for predatory thoughts about the estranged partner, and the reason for the contact since separation. Presence of stalking behaviors and predatory fantasy is a window to determine repetitive and escalating domestic violence. In addition, victims need referrals to clinicians with expertise in this area and they need to work closely with law enforcement to ensure safety for themselves and their families. 1 table and 22 references.