The Future of Batterer Programs: Reassessing Evidence-Based Practice

by Edward W. Gondolf

Overview

Batterer programs are at a critical juncture, with a handful of experimental program evaluations showing little or no effect from the prevailing program approach. This finding has prompted calls to overhaul or replace such programs. Edward W. Gondolf examines batterer research in light of the push for “evidence-based practice” and advocates a progressive evolution of batterer intervention as it currently stands. Cautioning against the call for programs based on a “new psychology,” he argues that current cognitive-behavioral approaches are appropriate for most cases, with the addition of ongoing risk management for severely violent men. Overall, he promotes a broader picture of batterer intervention and advocates better implementation of the basic principles established in the criminal justice field.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781555537715
Publisher:	Northeastern University Press
Publication date:	06/26/2012
Series:	New England Gender, Crime & Law
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	336
File size:	446 KB

About the Author

EDWARD W. GONDOLF is director of research, Mid-Atlantic Addiction Research and Training Institute, Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
SORTING OUT BATTERER PROGRAMS
The Uncertain State of Batterer Programs
The Debate about Program Effectiveness
THE NEW PSYCHOLOGY OF BATTERERS
The Cognitive-Behavioral and Psychodynamic Divide
The Many Efforts to Categorize Batterers
THE SYSTEM MATTERS
Risk Management in the Intervention System
Implementation, Implementation
Conclusion
Notes
References
Index

What People are Saying About This

Arlene N. Weisz

"The Future of Batterer Programs is an excellent book that . . . expands the discussion for those interested more specifically in victim safety and coordinated community response. It is refreshing to read such a non-polemical book in this field, which sometimes tends towards emotional rhetoric."
— Arlene N. Weisz, professor, School of Social Work, Wayne State University

Barbara J. Hart

“This book is terrific! It offers both new research and original insights that cannot be found in existing works. The critical examination of the ‘batterer programs don’t work’ mantra is particularly helpful. The book should be a primer for practitioners working with batterer programs and judges, probation officers, advocates, and family service workers will find answers to the questions raised about batterer programs.”

From the Publisher

"The Future of Batterer Programs is an excellent book that . . . expands the discussion for those interested more specifically in victim safety and coordinated community response. It is refreshing to read such a non-polemical book in this field, which sometimes tends towards emotional rhetoric."—Arlene N. Weisz, professor, School of Social Work, Wayne State University

"This book is terrific! It offers both new research and original insights that cannot be found in existing works. The critical examination of the 'batterer programs don't work' mantra is particularly helpful. The book should be a primer for practitioners working with batterer programs and judges, probation officers, advocates, and family service workers will find answers to the questions raised about batterer programs."—Barbara J. Hart, J.D., Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine

Editorial Reviews

"The Future of Batterer Programs is an excellent book that . . . expands the discussion for those interested more specifically in victim safety and coordinated community response. It is refreshing to read such a non-polemical book in this field, which sometimes tends towards emotional rhetoric."—Arlene N. Weisz, professor, School of Social Work, Wayne State University

"This book is terrific! It offers both new research and original insights that cannot be found in existing works. The critical examination of the 'batterer programs don't work' mantra is particularly helpful. The book should be a primer for practitioners working with batterer programs and judges, probation officers, advocates, and family service workers will find answers to the questions raised about batterer programs."—Barbara J. Hart, J.D., Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine

From the Publisher