Violence within a criminal setting produces some interesting questions, both in terms of how the criminal justice system can look to manage and reduce the impact of violence on society, as a whole, but also within the family setting. The purpose of this paper is to consider the generic question about whether treatment is the best way to deal with violent individuals, with particular reference to the issues associated with domestic violence. By looking at this area of violence, there is the opportunity to consider wider social and psychological issues associated with violent conduct.
This paper will firstly look at the definitions of domestic violence and the way in which the policies and criminal procedures have evolved to deal with this area. Any difficulties with the issues of domestic violence will be discussed, recognising that domestic violence often needs to be looked at in a wider context than simply looking at one immediate criminal activity, as it is often seen to be a repeated situation within the family setting.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction, Aims and Objectives
2. History of Understanding of Domestic Violence
3. Treatment of Domestic Violence
4. Analysis and Conclusions
Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate whether clinical and legal treatment is the most effective approach for managing violent individuals, specifically within the context of domestic violence, while considering the broader social and psychological complexities inherent in these relationships.
- Evolution of policies and criminal procedures regarding domestic violence.
- Distinction between immediate intervention and long-term psychological rehabilitation.
- The role of a multi-agency approach in addressing repetitive cycles of abuse.
- The necessity of victim empowerment as an alternative or complementary strategy to offender treatment.
- Impact of social factors such as economic status and family background on violent conduct.
Excerpt from the Book
Treatment of Domestic Violence
When looking at the notion of treatment within the context of any violent crime, there are several broader theories and issues that need to be considered, before being able to consider the effectiveness of the treatment in the area of domestic violence. There are, broadly speaking, four key areas of treatment available. The first is a biological intervention which includes medication for the perpetrator; secondly, there is psycho-analytical therapy which aims to get to the root of the problem and to analyse the reason for he violence. Thirdly, there is behavioural treatment such as aversion therapy which makes violence a non viable option for the perpetrator; and finally, there is the use of direct treatment such as anger management (Lewis 2004).
The treatment options for those involved in domestic violence have additional complexities associated with them. For example, in a violent crime such as aggravated burglary, the event is often a one off event, with the perpetrator aiming to get access to some item or goods and using violence as a means to an end. Domestic violence, however, is much more linked to the ongoing development of the relationships between the parties. Consideration has even been given to whether information should be made available where a perpetrator has a history of domestic violence, in order to prevent new partners from entering into domestic relations without full knowledge.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction, Aims and Objectives: This chapter outlines the paper's goal to explore whether treatment is a viable method for managing domestic violence and highlights the need to view these issues within a wider social and psychological context.
History of Understanding of Domestic Violence: This section examines how domestic violence has been defined over time, noting that it extends beyond physical abuse to include emotional and financial aspects, and highlights the shift toward police and multi-agency responses.
Treatment of Domestic Violence: This chapter categorizes the four primary treatment areas—biological, psycho-analytical, behavioural, and direct intervention—and discusses the complexities of applying these to repeat offenses.
Analysis and Conclusions: This concluding section argues that there is no simple "yes or no" answer to the effectiveness of treatment, ultimately suggesting that success depends on tailored, long-term approaches that address the specific behavioral manifestations of the crime.
Keywords
Domestic Violence, Criminal Justice, Perpetrator, Victim Empowerment, Multi-agency Approach, Psychological Therapy, Behavioural Intervention, Rehabilitation, Offender Management, Social Factors, Cycle of Violence, Treatment Effectiveness, Criminal Procedure, Abuse, Relationship Dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines whether treatment is an effective approach for managing individuals who commit domestic violence, comparing this to standard criminal justice responses.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The central themes include the evolution of domestic violence policy, the necessity of multi-agency cooperation, and the psychological vs. biological approaches to offender rehabilitation.
What is the ultimate research objective?
The objective is to determine if treatment can successfully break the cycle of domestic abuse, considering the unique, repetitive nature of these crimes compared to other violent offences.
What scientific or theoretical methods are utilized?
The author performs a critical literature review and policy analysis, synthesizing existing studies on criminal intervention, psychology, and social work to assess treatment efficacy.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers definitions of domestic violence, the history of policy responses, four specific categories of treatment, and the importance of addressing the victim-perpetrator relationship.
Which keywords best describe this study?
The study is characterized by keywords such as Domestic Violence, Treatment Effectiveness, Multi-agency Approach, Rehabilitation, and Criminal Justice.
Why does the author argue that domestic violence differs from other violent crimes?
The author emphasizes that while many crimes are "one-off" events, domestic violence is typically a repetitive pattern deeply rooted in the relationship dynamic, which requires long-term rather than short-term intervention.
What role does the "multi-agency approach" play in the author's conclusions?
It is viewed as essential because no single entity (police, social services, or psychologists) can address the complex, multifaceted nature of domestic abuse on its own.
Is the victim's role considered in the treatment process?
Yes, the author highlights that modern treatment often includes targeting the victim to provide the necessary support for them to remove themselves from the cycle of abuse.
- Citar trabajo
- Fatima Sidat (Autor), 2013, Treatment for Violent Individuals. History and Treatment of Domestic Violence, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/316340
