Treatment Needs of Substance Abusing Batterers: A Comparison of Men Who Batter Their Female Partners

• NCJ Number: 245431
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2013 Pages: 121-129
• Author(s): Mark D. Thomas; Larry W. Bennett; Charles Stoops
• Date Published: February 2013
• Length: 9 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Though the co-occurrence rate of intimate partner violence (IPV) and problems with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) is 50 percent or higher among men in clinical samples, little attention has been given to examining the characteristics of batterers with AOD problems (AOD batterers).

Abstract

Though the co-occurrence rate of intimate partner violence (IPV) and problems with alcohol and other drugs (AOD) is 50 percent or higher among men in clinical samples, little attention has been given to examining the characteristics of batterers with AOD problems (AOD batterers). The authors compared 274 AOD batterers and 524 non-AOD Batterers (batterers who do not have AOD problems). Results indicated AOD batterers were more violent, and were more likely to perpetrate violence that is severe in nature. They also reported higher levels of anger and trauma, had a greater proclivity toward a borderline personality orientation, and were much more likely to use AOD during an incident of violence at least half of the time (41 percent versus 9 percent). Results underscore the need for screening of batterers for AOD problems and substance abusers for IPV, and suggest that AOD problems might serve as an important indicator to help identify particularly complex cases. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.