Caring and compassion when working with offenders of crime and violence

Getting tougher on men who use violence is a rallying cry for people on both sides of the political spectrum. This article challenges the notion that a punitive framework increases safety and promotes nonviolence. The dominant worldview in today's culture and science is based on a fragmentary perspective that reinforces disconnections that facilitate rather than prevent further violence and abuse. In contrast, the nonfragmentary perspective is also scientifically valid but has very different implications for how we treat each other. This nonfragmentary perspective makes visible compassionate responses to violence that can be more effective in ending abuse and building peace in our lives and relationships. Research to support this conclusion is provided.