The Nature of Change
How does change occur and what is effective in treatment?
The question above is a very complex question, with a very complex answer. Change occurs through a variety of factors, many interrelated and needing to work together. Change can occur on either a societal level, an individual level, or on a dyadic level which includes both partners. It is important that change occurs on all levels to truly combat domestic abuse. On a societal level, the factors that influence domestic abuse and aggressive or violent behaviors need to be addressed. Please view the web pages of Environmental Risk Factors for Abuse and Influential Biological Factors to get a sense of the variety of factors that can influence the occurrence of domestic abuse within a relationship. Although not all factors are listed or discussed on this site, it does include many factors that may increase the risk for domestic abuse and violence. By creating programs and prevention plans that take into consideration these factors, while spreading knowledge and awareness, future domestic abuse can be combated.
Therapy and intervention programs can help change occur on an individual level and a dyadic level. Many programs are offered for the perpetrators of domestic abuse, as well as the victims of abuse. Additionally, therapy services can help the individual, or help the relationship through conjoint therapy. However, in the treatment of domestic abuse, conjoint services are not typically used due to concerns for the safety of the victim in the relationship. Please see the Treatment from a Couples Perspective webpage for more information on conjoint therapy services.
Group therapy and individual therapy is most commonly used for treating perpetrators of domestic abuse. These plans vary in their exercises, interventions, and educational plans. However, there are commonalities in all effective treatment plans.
According to Chovanec (2009), who looked at the effectiveness and common factors in 15 treatment programs for domestic abuse perpetrators, four unifying themes were found.
-First, validating the client's experience and efforts at change. It is important to highlight the positive behaviors that the client(s) has been showing. Even just seeking help for abusive behavior is an enormous step in the right direction and should be praised for that effort.
-Second, being sensitive to the shame carried by the perpetrator, as well as raising the awareness of shame and its impact on others. Many perpetrators carry a great deal of shame around their abusive behaviors and how they hurt the ones they love. Thus, it is important that practitioners are mindful as well as understanding that there is shame and why it occurs.
-Third, creating a supportive group atmosphere that enable leadership positions. Often in treatment groups, perpetrators are presented with others who have been in similar life positions and experiences. They also have in common that they are seeking to change their behavior. Thus, many can benefit from supporting one another along the road to change.
-Fourth, challenging the perpetrators on their change process through discussion of social hierarchies, power and control, types of abuse, etc. There is a need for education about many of the issues surrounding the abusive cycle as many perpetrators do not know the extent the abusive pattern has in their lives. An environment which challenges the clients provides motivation and direction towards positive change.
These common factors were found to be effective and beneficial in the treatment of domestic abuse perpetrators across the different treatment plans. Thus, they should be utilized as part of any process for change.
The question above is a very complex question, with a very complex answer. Change occurs through a variety of factors, many interrelated and needing to work together. Change can occur on either a societal level, an individual level, or on a dyadic level which includes both partners. It is important that change occurs on all levels to truly combat domestic abuse. On a societal level, the factors that influence domestic abuse and aggressive or violent behaviors need to be addressed. Please view the web pages of Environmental Risk Factors for Abuse and Influential Biological Factors to get a sense of the variety of factors that can influence the occurrence of domestic abuse within a relationship. Although not all factors are listed or discussed on this site, it does include many factors that may increase the risk for domestic abuse and violence. By creating programs and prevention plans that take into consideration these factors, while spreading knowledge and awareness, future domestic abuse can be combated.
Therapy and intervention programs can help change occur on an individual level and a dyadic level. Many programs are offered for the perpetrators of domestic abuse, as well as the victims of abuse. Additionally, therapy services can help the individual, or help the relationship through conjoint therapy. However, in the treatment of domestic abuse, conjoint services are not typically used due to concerns for the safety of the victim in the relationship. Please see the Treatment from a Couples Perspective webpage for more information on conjoint therapy services.
Group therapy and individual therapy is most commonly used for treating perpetrators of domestic abuse. These plans vary in their exercises, interventions, and educational plans. However, there are commonalities in all effective treatment plans.
According to Chovanec (2009), who looked at the effectiveness and common factors in 15 treatment programs for domestic abuse perpetrators, four unifying themes were found.
-First, validating the client's experience and efforts at change. It is important to highlight the positive behaviors that the client(s) has been showing. Even just seeking help for abusive behavior is an enormous step in the right direction and should be praised for that effort.
-Second, being sensitive to the shame carried by the perpetrator, as well as raising the awareness of shame and its impact on others. Many perpetrators carry a great deal of shame around their abusive behaviors and how they hurt the ones they love. Thus, it is important that practitioners are mindful as well as understanding that there is shame and why it occurs.
-Third, creating a supportive group atmosphere that enable leadership positions. Often in treatment groups, perpetrators are presented with others who have been in similar life positions and experiences. They also have in common that they are seeking to change their behavior. Thus, many can benefit from supporting one another along the road to change.
-Fourth, challenging the perpetrators on their change process through discussion of social hierarchies, power and control, types of abuse, etc. There is a need for education about many of the issues surrounding the abusive cycle as many perpetrators do not know the extent the abusive pattern has in their lives. An environment which challenges the clients provides motivation and direction towards positive change.
These common factors were found to be effective and beneficial in the treatment of domestic abuse perpetrators across the different treatment plans. Thus, they should be utilized as part of any process for change.
(Chovanec, 2009)