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What Can be Done About High-Risk Perpetrators of Domestic Violence?

Journal of Family Violence volume 29, pages 381–390 (2014)Cite this article

Abstract

This article addresses practical implications for preventing lethal and nonlethal domestic violence (DV) that stem from recent research on male domestic homicide perpetrators. The role of risk assessment and batterer intervention programs is emphasized, including specific programming for treatment-resistant perpetrators. Adjunct interventions for related problems (e.g., anger, suicidal behaviour, substance abuse) are offered, and risk management tactics are summarized. The article highlights the significance of safety planning for victims and teaching youth skills for forming and maintaining healthy relationships. Possible solutions to the problem of DV perpetrators who avoid arrest also are highlighted (e.g., public awareness campaigns). Additionally, this article discusses approaches for dealing with psychopathic DV perpetrators, including the possible benefits of community education on psychopathy and early intervention for youth at risk for developing these traits. Some policy implications concerning DV and psychopathy also are covered. The article underscores the importance of coordinated community responses to DV.

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Acknowledgments

Preparation of this manuscript was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation through research awards to the first author. The authors would like to thank research assistants Tara Carpenter, Kevin Wilson, Jason Fawcett, and Samantha Difrancescantonio. The authors also wish to thank Katreena Scott, Amanda Saunders, Tim Kelly, Joseph Camilleri, and Leanne ten Brinke for their valuable feedback during the writing of this paper as well as Katreena Scott and Jeff McKillop for their helpful comments on an earlier draft of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, Dalhousie University, Life Sciences Centre, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3H 4R2

    Marcus Juodis

  2. East Coast Forensic Hospital, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada

    Andrew Starzomski

  3. University of British Columbia – Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

    Stephen Porter & Michael Woodworth

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  1. Marcus Juodis
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  2. Andrew Starzomski
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  3. Stephen Porter
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  4. Michael Woodworth
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Correspondence to Marcus Juodis.

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Juodis, M., Starzomski, A., Porter, S. et al. What Can be Done About High-Risk Perpetrators of Domestic Violence?. J Fam Viol 29, 381–390 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-014-9597-2

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Keywords

  • Domestic homicide
  • Domestic violence
  • Male perpetrators
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Treatment
  • Psychopathy
  • Coordinated community responses