The first programs for men who batter were founded in the 1970s in partnership with battered women’s advocates. Between fifteen and twenty-five hundred batterer intervention programs (BIPs) are currently in operation across the country. Goals, methods, and outcomes vary tremendously from program to program despite certification standards in most states. Research findings on the effectiveness of BIPs range from little or no effect to substantial reductions in violent behavior by program completers. Many BIP practitioners believe that current research does not adequately reflect the results…
Currently in the United States, millions of adults suffer from alcohol use disorders. Alcohol use disorders include both alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Alcohol abuse is a problem pattern of drinking behavior that results in disruptions in work, school, and/or family life. This may include taking risks under the influence of alcohol that put the drinker or others at risk. Alcohol dependence includes any of the symptoms associated with alcohol abuse, but is more serious. Symptoms of alcohol dependence include cravings (a strong desire or need to drink), a loss of control, regularly…
Brief
Domestic violence advocates and family violence researchers often appear to contradict each other when they describe and report on the extent and nature of intimate partner violence. Although the term "domestic violence" has a very clear specific meaning to advocates working in the domestic violence field, it is used in other ways in other contexts to cover many different types of couple conflict. This paper helps to clarify some of the misunderstandings, errors, and apparent contradictions that derive in part from these differences in language use, in part from not understanding where the…
Dating violence is a serious concern for today's teens and parents. According to the National Youth Violence Prevention Center, about 20% of teens have experienced abuse in a dating relationship. Parents often under estimate their influence on teens when it comes to dating and sex. But parents play a vital role in helping teens recognize the red flags of an unhealthy relationship and ending an abusive relationship. When you talk frequently and openly with your teens, they are more likely to turn to you in a time of crisis. The following tips and strategies can help you open the lines of…
This resource includes eight ways in which to teach boys early, and teach them often, that there is no place for violence in a relationship. (Author abstract modified)
Designed to assist advocates for nonresident fathers in child welfare cases, this checklist provides tips for addressing special advocacy issues. Strategies for advocates are explained for addressing substance abuse, mental health concerns, domestic violence allegations, and immigration concerns.
