NCJ Number
127561
Journal
Social Work With Groups Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: (1989) Pages: 63-74
Date Published
1989
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper presents the development and operation of a group for male wife-batterers and includes the rationales for creating such a group, the underlying theoretical framework, and the details of the rehabilitative process for stopping wife abuse.
Abstract
The pilot project started in 1986 and quickly discovered that individual work was not the best treatment modality due to the batterers' defense mechanisms and character faults which obstruct truth. Martial treatment was considered inappropriate because of the abused spouse's duress which likewise obstructs truth that can lead to post-session violence which must be stopped before marital issues can be addressed. Batterers are reminded that they must make significant changes in their lifestyles, requiring constant vigilance and reassessment of priorities and subsequent adjustments. Intervention is possible only in the early stages before reaching a certain threshold. 8 references (Author abstract modified)