The applicability of the theory of planned behavior to abusive men's cessation of violent behavior.

This study examined the ability of Ajzen's (1988; 1991) Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explain men's cessation of violent behavior. TPB suggests that a man's intention to abuse his female partner, and therefore his subsequent abusive behavior will be determined by: (1) his evaluation of possible outcomes of abusive behavior (attitudes toward behavior); (2) his perception of the expectations of others around him concerning violence and (3) the degree to which he believes he can control his abusive behavior. Pretest self-report measures from men and follow-up recidivism data based on partner report were available for 176 cases drawn from a previous study conducted by Harrell (1991). Reliable proxy measures for TPB variables (intentions/expectations to use violence, attitudes toward behavior, social norms, perceived behavioral control) were created. Regression analyses testing the TPB model provided modest support for prediction of intention to reabuse and subsequent abusive behavior. Of the TPB variables, perceived control appeared to be most important in understanding batterers' intentions to abuse and their subsequent abusive behavior. Refinement in measurements and the need for additional modifications to the model are discussed.

Social work intervention with wife assaults.

PIP: This article presents data from a national survey on social work intervention in cases of wife assaults in Singapore. The survey was conducted from March to July 1992 among 510 citizens, educated and over 17 years old. Trained interviewers during a 20-minute interview used a structured questionnaire divided into six major sections. Respondents were asked to choose from the four possible responses, namely: 1) work together with couple to solve their problems; 2) help the wife find another place to stay; 3) help the wife obtain a court order; and 4) help the wife get a divorce. Demographic variables are included in the analysis. About 92.4% of the respondents indicated that social workers should limit their intervention to ¿work with the couple¿ in dealing with cases of minor assault occurring for the first time. About 35.8% opted to help the wife obtain a court order, and 22.3% chose separation or divorce in minor assaults. Majority suggested that social workers should help the wife obtain a court order and separation on major assaults. Findings suggest that social services in Singapore should focus their programs on battered women solely on conciliatory services outside the legal system.^ieng

Woman battering in Israel: the relative contributions of interpersonal factors.

Interpersonal factors were examined in 60 couples who reported violence by male against female partner and in 60 couples who did not. Violent men reported lower partnership quality and less social support than did nonviolent men. Battered women reported lower partnership quality but more positive social support than did women with nonviolent partners. Level of violence was predicted by level of child-rearing conflict and the availability of social support for the violent men.

PIP: This paper seeks to examine whether Israeli couples who report interpersonal violence would also report low-quality lives, conflict child-related interactions, and unsatisfactory social support outside the marriage. The sample included 60 violent men and their partners, matched with 60 nonviolent couples. Analyses were performed to determine differences between violent spouse and nonviolent spouse. Men's use of physical violence in relation to intimate and social relationships was also examined. Findings indicated that violent men and battered women tend to live with distinctly lower-quality marital relationships. Moreover, violent men had less social support than nonviolent men; whereas battered women had more positive social support than women with nonviolent partners did. Men's physical violence toward women was found to be associated with men's perception of high conflict over child rearing and the availability of close social support. Finally, the results of this study emphasize the importance of interpersonal relationship factors, both within and outside the marriage, when understanding relationships wherein men abuse their women partners.

Multiple perspectives on groupwork with children of battered women.

As this century ends there continues to be little public attention devoted to child witnesses of woman abuse and few social programs exist to meet their needs. This article presents the findings of a qualitative evaluation of a group program for children of battered women. Interviews were conducted with 16 mothers, 5 fathers, 9 group leaders, and 30 children who participated in 8 groups. Data also included observations of one complete group process (10 groups and 3 family sessions). Both intended and unintended results are presented and recommendations for practice are discussed.

Support and education groups for children of battered women.

The children of battered women have been called the forgotten victims of domestic violence. Indeed, few clinicians have published accounts of their work with these children. This article describes in detail a support and education group program for children of battered women. Five hundred and seventy-five children have participated in the program, with promising results on several measures of success.