Domestic Violence: Treatment within a Therapeutic Community

Domestic violence is highly prevalent both within
Australia and internationally. Many intervention
programmes for men who engage in domestic violence
are available, however there is a lack of consensus
as to which approach is most effective. This book
provides an outline of the current treatment options
and more specifically looks at a unique approach that
is available within Australia, called Breathing
Space. Breathing Space is a therapeutic community
that offers a multi-systemic, best-practice treatment
approach for men who engage in domestic violence.
This qualitative programme evaluation of the
processes used within Breathing Space, comprised of
observations and interviews with residents and staff.
Findings indicated that Breathing Space provided a
number of benefits to residents, however confidence
that treatment would reduce violence was low.
Suggested improvements included strengthening
professional boundaries, improved screening of
residents, compulsory attendance at group therapy,
and a greater focus on criminogenic needs. This book
should be especially useful to those establishing,
managing or working within a treatment centre for men
who engage in domestic violence.