CIB #4 (Last CIB post) :

In this last CIB we are going to talk about the issues surrounding Abusive Partners and seeking help. Often times people wonder how can a violent partner change? When will they change? And even more pressing: have they changed?

Bancroft lists a number of concerns with abusive partners in treatment. Sometimes abusive partners will use counseling and other therapies as leverage to control their partner. They may say something like “I won’t seek help unless you change too”. Sometimes an abusive partner thinks they might learn “non-abusive” ways of controlling or manipulating their partner (even though that again, is abuse). Sometimes change for an abusive partner is just another part of the third stage in the cycle of violence.

So what do we do?

There are many types of programs for perpetrators of domestic violence. From a undergrad psychologist perspective, different people work better in different treatments. However, a perpetrator of DV might not be able to choose what type of help they will seek if they are sent in on a court-order, or if some violent partners have it their way, they wouldn’t be seeking help to being with. So instead of listing off the numerous forms of counseling (I have a list, so if any of you are curious about a particular one, just ask!) I am going to go over a few pointers Bancroft has in his book for you to judge whether or not a program for DV perpetrators is working.

A treatment is most likely effective if:

(1) The treatment program contacts you, the victim, quickly after your abusive partner starts to get a history of behavior as well as provide you with services were you can seek help as a victim as well.

(2) They program gives you the real statics and facts. They should be sure to remind you that not everyone who goes through a treatment program get better, and that sometimes (as we have learned) get worse.

(3) The program should go over with you all the topics they will go over, the plan of action (in detail), and they should be focused on behavior issues surrounding abuse and attitudes surrounding abuse. A program should also provide you with information on your partners attendance, things of importance they said, etc. They should be helping you and your partner, not just your partner.

If a treatment program is not doing these things you might need to consider taking action for a different treatment program.  

This was what I thought was most important out of this chapter on abusive partners and treatment programs. I will cover this information and a little more on this video:

*Disclamer: In this vid I read an assessment from Bancroft's book. The terminology I use is really heteroscentric (since the book itself is heterocentric) but keep in mind that everything that I've talked about can apply to ANYONE who is experiencing violence. Also, I used air quotes to denote the title of the chapter.

For the peer-reviewed journal requirement, I found this article (DV Treatment Cons) That goes over reasons some treatments might not be effective. Bancroft covers a few points in his book, but this study goes into a little more detail.

As I said in the video, It is extremely important for perpetrators to receive treatment. It is also very important for victims to get treatment as well. So I provided these two sites for you all to use, or pass along to people you know, who are in an abusive situation.

For those of you from the University of Idaho, Moscow, Pullman, and the surrounding areas you can always contact Alternatives to Violence on the Palouse. (ATVP) if you or someone you know is dealing with abuse. Their website is: www.atvp.org

The Hotline (http://www.thehotline.org/) is a national domestic violence hotline. They are available 24/7 and are anonymous and confidential. If you or anyone you know is being abused and are not in the area for ATVP assistance, give these folks a call.

I hope you all learned some stuff from this post. If you all have any questions, comments, or concerns, I more than welcome your responses! E-mail them, comment here, or facebook me (if your on my friends list).

*Note: Next week I'll get back to writing the journals, so stay tuned!

Till next time,

-Alex


P.S.

I also have to post this Crossword Puzzle as part of the CIB blog.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ACROSS 1. The reasons and ideals that an abuser holds becomes his abuser ____. 5. Abuse and ____ are at the center of the DV wheel 7. The parenting style that leads children to do better in all areas such as school, self-esteem, etc. 8. The acronym for the DV hotline for folks that live near Moscow Idaho 9. These forms of help include friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances 10. These forms of help include Doctors, nurses, law enforcement, and shelters.

DOWN 2. Abusive parents tend to use this type of parenting style. 3. The three-letter acronym for the more inclusive term to "Domestic Violence" 4. ____IS NOT ABUSE 6. Is an understudied concept that can help people from falling into risk factors for DV.