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Self-deception among men who are mandated to attend a batterer intervention program
Marilyn E Smith1, Elizabeth J Randall
1West Virginia University, Charleston, WV, USA.
Perspectives in Psychiatric Care
|September 27, 2007
Summary
Perpetrators in batterer intervention programs often feel their own behaviors are unjustified while minimizing their actions toward victims. This highlights a need for enhanced emotional skills training in these programs.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Public Health
Background:
- Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant national health issue affecting women and children.
- Batterer intervention programs (BIPs) are a key strategy for addressing IPV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore perpetrators' perceptions before entering a BIP.
- To understand the mindset of individuals engaging in intimate partner violence.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing existential phenomenology.
- In-depth exploration of perpetrator perspectives.
Main Results:
- Two primary themes emerged: perceived lack of justification for behaviors directed at the perpetrator.
- Minimization and justification of the perpetrator's own behaviors toward the victim and others.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a need for increased emotional skills training within BIPs.
- Improved emotional skills training could enhance outcomes for victims, perpetrators, and families.
- Understanding perpetrator perceptions is crucial for effective intervention program design.
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