Batterers and Abusive Partners

There is much debate about the goals of batterers programs and whether or not they are effective in reducing and eliminating woman battering. In evaluating the issue, it is helpful to identify and discuss different approaches and complex tensions that exist in the field of batterer intervention. A greater understanding can be gained by examining the history of batterer intervention programs, including the impact of feminism and the battered women's movement, social work, and the criminal justice system; identifying the range of models used in batterer intervention; reviewing the research on the effectiveness of programs; and considering recommendations for enhanced policy and program developments.