NCJ Number
155176
Date Published
1993
Length
217 pages
Annotation
By looking at the experiences of battered women, the author describes an approach to help men eliminate all forms of abuse and move toward healthy and nonviolent lives.
Abstract
Domestic abuse by men has reached catastrophic proportions in the United States. Such abuse refers not only to the use of physical violence in intimate relationships but also to the use of emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse to establish power and control over women in relationships. The author suggests several steps that men can take to recognize and change their abusive behavior: (1) reject sexist beliefs that women are less significant and the cultural conditioning that condones violence; (2) break through denial and take responsibility for violent behavior; (3) find healthy ways of responding to conflict; and (4) monitor behavior to avoid old patterns once a new path has been started. Ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in the book are designed to encourage men to work with their personal violence and abusive behavior but are not intended to replace a professional program. The roots of male violence against women and the nature of violence are discussed. Interviews with both violent men and their victims are included, as well as a list of resource hotlines and organizations. Supplemental information on violence prevention is appended. References, notes, and figures