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Domestic Violence: Current Issues in Definitions and Interventions with Perpetrators in the UK (From Forensic Psychology: Concepts, Debates and Practice, P 219-244, 2004, Joanna R. Adler, ed. -- See NCJ-205397)

NCJ Number
205408
Author(s)
Elizabeth L. Gilchrist; Mark Kebbel
Date Published
2004
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This chapter explores definitions of domestic violence in the United Kingdom and reviews the efficacy of current interventions with offenders.
Abstract
Research and interventions in the field of domestic violence are heavily influenced by discipline and by theoretical and political ideologies. Much of what is known about domestic violence is derived from research in the United States. Thus there is a gap in what is known about domestic violence in Britain. Moreover, although various types of interventions with domestic violence offenders have been initiated, little is known about their effectiveness. A review of the current literature suggests that domestic violence within the United Kingdom is prevalent, yet there is little agreement concerning its definition and even less about what constitutes an appropriate response. Controversies and debates surrounding the definitions and terminology of domestic violence are reviewed, including the debate over the appropriate victim of domestic violence. Some circles claim domestic violence is a gender neutral phenomenon, while others claim the historical subjugation of women puts them at greater victimization risk. Following a brief review of the major theoretical perspectives concerning domestic violence, recent empirical data were analyzed regarding risk for domestic violence victimization and offending. While some indicators of domestic violence offending have been discovered, such as witnessing domestic violence as a child, most of the research literature agrees that domestic violence offenders are highly heterogeneous. Intervention approaches in the United Kingdom are reviewed. During the 1970’s, the typical response was to support women and children leaving a violent relationship; later developments have included the creation of “domestic violence forums” throughout the country to increase understanding and share best practices. One of the major interventions has been domestic violence perpetrator programs which originated in North America and fall within three dominant approaches: feminist psycho-educational group programs, couples counseling, and psychology approaches. These are reviewed in turn and their influence on United Kingdom interventions is considered. Generally, the United Kingdom has adopted pro-feminist treatment models in which domestic violence is understood as a product of societal inequalities that culminate in the violent abuse of a woman by her male partner. Finally, evaluation evidence suggests that domestic violence offender programs in the United States and the United Kingdom have a small but significant effect on recidivism rates. Notes, references