Review of Alternative to Domestic Violence

 


Review of Alternatives to Domestic Violence; A Homework Manual for Battering Intervention Groups 
by Kevin Fall and Shareen Howard


This was an usual read for me as it is actually  a work book for adult male abusers involved in a ( usually ) court mandated batterers group.  The book assumes one thing - that batters and abuses can change if they are willing to put in the work.  It progress from one topic to another in increasing complexity. 

The book starts off with the expected introductions over " Why are you here" and " what can be expected" with a good chapter on Myths and realities of a group. There are 14 chapters and the chapters are centered around a power and control topic the abusers is supposed to utilize to look inward and adjust their thinking and behavior.  Chapter topics are pretty in depth such as Negotiating a Partnership Trust Relationships, Giving and Receiving Respect, Taking Responsibility for Yourself, Positive Sexual Relationship, Non Violence, Intimidation, drugs and alcohol in DV, and Religion and Domestic Violence.  Each chapter has the reader/user to go through the book, work the exercises to get to the heart of the why which is usually habits, attitudes and incorrect thinking. 

The book was designed to be used as part of a group. It is not designed as a self-help manual although it could if someone were so inclined. 

I read it because I wanted to know why approach a domestic batterers manual would take. 

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