Victim/Perpetrator Behavior Learning Objectives: By the end of this segment, you will be better able to: Evaluate the impact of DV on adult victims and children who are exposed to violence. Identify the protection and restoration requirements of DV victims.

Describe patterns of batterer conduct and impose effective intervention & accountability mechanisms for batterers. Understand decision-making and courtroom presentation of victims and perpetrators.

Question Why is Helen Hunt going back?

Questions Why is Kevin Spacey so angry with the Helen Hunt character? Is this effective behavior? Are there other people like Kevin Spacey that you encounter in your work (e.g. police, prosecutors, judges, etc.)?

Why Women Stay or Go Back to Abusive Partners Why Women Stay or Go Back to Abusive Partners Stay for sake of children/ leave for sake of children Fear Love & hope for change Self-blame, embarrassment Isolation/entrapment Poverty Religious/cultural beliefs Believe their partner really needs them Lack of predictable, effective system response

Response to Women who Return Belittle Minimize violence Coerce with court orders Charge with false allegations Initiate “Failure to Protect” investigations Blame her for the violence Withdraw support

Factors in Decision-Making of Abused Adults Beliefs; cultural and religious Extent to which compliance compromises integrity or safety Risks vs. benefits of compliance or resistance Options/Resources; legal, financial, social.. Sobriety vs. Problem Consumption Opportunity to reflect & develop safety plan Support/connection Hope

Questions What is the impact on a child of living with a violent parent? What are the child’s coping strategies? What mitigates against the adverse impact of violence on child?

Children Exposed to Domestic Violence Overlap with physical abuse of child Psychological abuse; spurning, terrorizing, isolation and corrupting of children Impact on infants, children & adolescents Disruption of stability, nurturing, security, community supports Poverty Emotional & behavioral problems, PTSD Other risk & protective factors Potential long-term effects

Factors Enhancing Resilience A strong relationship with a competent, caring, positive adult; most often a parent* Benefits of community safe havens (e.g., schools, community centres & churches)* Characteristics of the child — average/ above- average intelligence, good attention span & interpersonal skills, positive self-esteem, access to resources for good schooling/employment/community activities* Stability Economic Viability Protection* Osofsky, J.D. (1999) The impact of violence on children The Future of Children: Domestic Violence and Children, 9: 3, 33-49

Question What do abused women and their children need?

BW & Children Need Physiological (food, shelter, sleep, etc.) Safety (security, protection fr. abuse, etc.) Social (connection, friendship, etc.) Esteem or Ego (self respect, autonomy, achievement, attention, agency) Hope Self-Actualization (action) MASLOW

Questions What abuse is demonstrated by the Bon Jovi character? What type of coercive controls is he using with Helen Hunt’s character? What type of coercive controls is he using with the child?

The Batterer Typically exhibits a pattern of assaultive and controlling behaviour Abuse may be physical, emotional, psychological and sexual in nature Can include threats to harm self, children, other family members, pets and property Violence is used to intimidate, humiliate or frighten victims, or to make them feel powerless Number of acts that may appear minor when viewed in isolation, but collectively form a pattern of abuse Acts of violence are seldom single assaults; often multiple acts of violence, coercion, degradation in one event of abuse

Rule-Making – Common Practice of Batterers – Inalienable Right/Obligation to Compose & Enforce Rules – Limited Right to Use Violence to Control Partner

Basic/Fundamental Rules I make the rules. I am entitled to YOU, your obedience, services, affection, loyalty, fidelity and undivided attention. You cannot leave w/o my permission. You cannot tell anyone of the abuse.

Strategic Selection of Enforcement – Costs/Benefit Analysis. – Importance of Rule – Efficacy of Control Tactic – Tactics include coercion, intimidation, degradation, exploitation and/or violence AND flowers, chocolates, promises to change & resources. – Risk of Injury – Potential social/legal consequences

Rules are not Self- Implementing Scrutiny, oversight Repetition Clarification Compliance Review Sure, swift Consequences

Interventions for Batterers Limited successes to date — no false hope for victims Anger management not enough/couples counseling not appropriate May need to match batterer to specific intervention Compounding problems: alcohol/drug abuse, mental disorder, poverty Variable standards for programs – lack of cultural competence Need an integrated justice response (law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, defense lawyers, probation officers, judges, BIPs)