In His Own Voice: The Experience of the Male Batterrer
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Authors
Thomas, Courtney
Issue Date
1995
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study focuses on six batterers and their experiences as violent males. This includes discussion on the thoughts and emotions that take place before, during, and after an incident of violence, as well as the changes experienced as a result of treatment. The six participants had been involved in a treatment program for battering behavior. They participated in voluntary, one-time, semi-structured, tape-recorded interviews. The same 10 questions were posed to each participant. The study and the supporting literature revealed that not all batterers are alike and that there can be no one typology from which to view them. The participants cited feelings of low self-esteem and an inability to communicate feelings effectively to others, which resulted in frustration and anger as contributors to their battering behavior. A portion of the participants were also subjected to violence in their families of origin, which influenced their own acts of violence towards others. Group treatment was found to be the most effective form of assistance for batterers providing positive results in a majority of cases.