Lundy Bancroft
Lundy Bancroft
Definition of Domestic Violence A pattern of coercive control that may be primarily
made up of psychological abuse, sexual coercion, or economic abuse, that is punctuated by one or more acts of frightening physical violence, credible threat of physical harm, or sexual assault.
BATTERER PROFILEConsistently true:
Coercively controllingEntitled/ Self-centeredBelieves he is the victimManipulative/ Good public image
BATTERER PROFILEConsistently true:
Skillfully dishonestDisrespectful, Superior, Depersonalizing
Good early in relationshipExternalizes responsibility
BATTERER PROFILEConsistently true:
Social isolation of the victim, and sometimes of the children as well)
Mentality of ownership, often including severe possessiveness
BATTERER PROFILEConsistently true:
DenialMinimizationLack of empathy for victim
BATTERER PROFILEConsistently true:
Punishes, retaliatesBatters seriallyDanger increases post separation
CONTRIBUTING FACTORSSubstance abuseMental illnessCommunity collusionLack of consequencesVictim-blaming
MYTHS ABOUT BATTERERSLoss of controlLack of educationPoor communication skillsLow self-esteemInsecurityPoor, ethnic minority
AREAS OF CONTROL
Arguments and decision-makingChild-rearingHer freedom of movement and associationLabor
AREAS OF CONTROL
FinancesSexualityHer freedom of speech and thoughtHer attention
TACTICS IN SEEKING ALLIESSeeking sympathyMinimizing seriousness of the offenseBlaming alcoholBonding with males against womenFlattering/flirting with females
TACTICS IN SEEKING ALLIESShifting blame to victimLyingPromising changeGetting people to pressure or criticize the
victimManipulating
ELEMENTS OF CHANGE
ConsequencesEducationConfrontationAccountability
CORE ISSUES
Power and controlSelfishnessDisrespectJustificationIntimidation (including violence)
Educating and Challenging Batterers
Demanding changeBuilding empathyFocusing on responsibility to the victim and her children
Collaborating with other systems
CRITICAL FEEDBACKPointing out controlling behavior Pointing out entitled attitudesTaking the woman’s sideSpeaking about the children’s experience of him
Questioning his stated motives / intentions
CRITICAL FEEDBACKChallenging his excuses and justifications
Showing what respectful behavior would be
Pointing out disrespect for his partner Challenging him about the effects he has had on his partner and children
Asking him to meet his responsibilities
PROCESS OF CHANGE
Full disclosureAcceptance of responsibilityRelinquishing excusesDevelopment of empathy
PROCESS OF CHANGE
Identifying pattern of coercive controlIdentifying abusive attitudesDevelopment of empathy for childrenMaking amends
PROCESS OF CHANGE
Developing respectful behaviorsAccepting consequences of his actionsCommitting to lifelong change
Educating and Challenging Batterers
Firm, respectful confrontationEducational styleNon-inflammatoryAvoiding collusion
HOLDING BATTERERS ACCOUNTABLE
Close monitoring and supervisionAvoiding collusionPressing him to deal with his abusivenessDon’t take his word on his progress or
behaviorMaintain relationship with victim
HOLDING BATTERERS ACCOUNTABLE
Imposing new consequences for new abusive behaviors
Taking the victim’s side
Remaining connected to the abuser if possible
REDUCING RISK
Perform danger/lethality assessment
Maintain confidentiality of victim’s address
REDUCING RECIDIVISM
Avoid diversion whenever possibleIncarcerate the battererSplit sentence where statute permitsRevoke probation quickly when violations occur
REDUCING RECIDIVISM
Accelerate trial process as much as possibleAddress any substance abuse issuesRequire rapid starting of batterer intervention
programRefer victim to services for self and children
REDUCING RECIDIVISM
See The Criminal Justice Response to Domestic Violence by Andrew Klein, retired probation officer.
INTERVENTIONS TO AVOID
Conjoint counseling or mediationAnger managementSubstance abuse treatment as a substitute for legal
consequences and batterer intervention services.Diversion
Effects on children of exposure to batteringChild abuse prevention
Effects of physical abuse/”physical discipline”Alternate approaches to disciplineEffects of sexual abuse and boundary violationsProper respect for children’s boundariesEffects of verbal abuseHaving age-appropriate expectations
Working with Batterers on Parenting
Proper co-parentingRespecting the children’s motherRespecting her maternal authoritySharing decision-makingModeling respect for femalesModeling accepting responsibility for one’s actions
Working with Batterers on Parenting
Working with Batterers on Parenting
Interventions to avoid with batterers Teaching skills for gaining children’s trust Teaching skills to get children to open up emotionally Teaching insight into children’s private thoughts and
feelings Teaching the importance of fathers in children’s lives
Contributing to Children’s RecoveryAdvocate for your clients’ children
Assist mothers with custody and visitation litigation
Write effective reports for courts about the children
Offer information to mothers (partners of clients) about their children and how to assist them
Don’t help clients to seek custody or visitation or to find attorneys
Contributing to Children’s RecoveryAdvocate for your clients’ children
Work with CPS on holding the abuser accountable and offering appropriate supportive assistance to the mother
Don’t write reports for client’s attorneys, or for the clients themselves – reports should always be addressed directly to the court