NCJ Number
95599
Date Published
1984
Length
67 pages
Annotation
This description of the development and operation of a Batterers Anonymous (BA) program, a self-help program for wife abusers, focuses on the program's process, participants' roles, the management of anger, and the promotion of a BA group.
Abstract
In a BA program, batterers attend meetings once a week with other batterers who have the common goal of eliminating their abusive behaviors. Group members support one another in identifying and developing positive alternatives to the abusive behavior. Program management is facilitated by a group leader, selected by the members, and a sponsor, who is a professional or paraprofessional trained to provide guidance and support for group members. Members share phone numbers so they can support and advise one another in times of crisis. Members maintain their anonymity and respect the confidentiality of material shared. This booklet reviews the scope of wife battering and the factors that contribute to abusive behavior against wives. Participants' roles are detailed, as are the steps in managing anger and starting and promoting a BA group. A description of a meeting of the San Bernardino BA chapter (California) is also provided. 25-item bibliography and appended promotional materials, test questions, brochure, BA program guide, and a discussion of networking.