Citation

Mintz HA, Cornett FW. Postgrad. Med. 1997; 101(4): 219-21, 225-8.

Affiliation

Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, Washington, DC, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Vendome Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9126214

Abstract

This article describes the three types of male perpetrators of domestic violence, their behavioral patterns, and the steps for providing them appropriate treatment. Batterers manifest the same cyclical behavior and express the same brutal and irrational rage, no matter what language they speak; they still communicate the same hate words and accusations of blame. There are three types of batterers identified by Dutton and Golant. First is the cyclical emotionally volatile type. This involves a constellation of feelings involving rage and jealousy. The second type comprises the overcontrolled batterers. This group of batterers exhibits less physical aggression, but more psychological abuse compared to the first group. These men receive extremely high score on the dominance isolation factor of abusiveness. Overcontrolled abusers are divided into active control freaks and the passive abusers. The third type includes the psychopathic batterers. This group of batterers lack emotional responsiveness and exhibit no remorse about their behavior. These men engage in criminal activities and are often violent with friends, strangers, co-workers, and employers as well as with their wife. They often reflect antisocial behavior and sadistic aggression. Domestic violence thrives on silence. Physicians can help penetrate this silence by discussing the issue with their patients, listening to patients' direct or indirect references to their own experiences with domestic violence, and making referrals for treatment. Furthermore, group therapy has proven to be the best option for treating a battering behavior.

Language: en