Abstract:
Intimate partner violence is a global evil and has reached pandemic proportions with
ramifications that are devastating for all parties concerned. Characteristics and causal
influences that were applicable to both abusive men and abusive women were identified in
order to develop and streamline a treatment according to the evidence. It was purported that
therapeutic change necessitates taking responsibility. Moreover, an activated conscience with
concomitant empathy is pivotal in deterring partner abuse. Effective treatment strategies need
to address issues such as factors that influence the resistance to change, trauma, alcohol
abuse, possible biological correlates of violence, personality disturbance and emotional lability
which seems to be activated within the context of an intimate relationship. Abusive partners
need to reflect upon the possible association between external triggers and personal
experiences that may influence destructive behavioural patterns. The developed programme
emphasised self-compassion and forgiveness, which is conducive to bolstering self-esteem,
feelings of worthiness and self-regulation. In pursuit thereof, an integrated bio-psycho-sociospiritual
and developmental conceptualisation of intimate partner violence was supported and
challenged the prevailing gender paradigm that still forms the basis of the predominant
treatment interventions that are based on the Duluth model.
The research approach adopted was that of mixed methods. The research project focused on
intervention or action research and entailed designing and developing an innovative genderinclusive
Christian-based programme for perpetrators of intimate partner violence. A series of
activities ensued, which included a collective case study, piloting, refining and finalising the
preliminary draft intervention. There is a high correlation between male and female
perpetration and depression. Upon completion of the intervention programme, the participants’
reduced scores for depression were statistically significant, and as a result, it could be inferred
that the programme has the potential to curtail intimate partner abuse. Recommendations
included that children from abusive homes who remain largely conceptualised as “witnesses”
rather than “victims” must form part of a treatment strategy. Children do not witness partner
abuse passively from a distance but deeply feel and experience the aftermath. A
comprehensive and integrated model of prevention is postulated that necessitates multiple
services, such as screening for abuse during pregnancy and substance abuse programmes,
in conjunction with a family, community and church response towards the eradication of
violence towards women, men and children.
