There
are always two sides to every domestic violence case: the victim’s and the
perpetrator’s. Most often, during legal proceedings, victims are rehabilitated
to cope with the trauma and recover eventually.
But
what about the perpetrators? Are they qualified for such amenity?
The
fact that perpetrators can undergo rehabilitation and actually change from
their violent ways has been a subject of debate in the legal industry,
particularly among Las Vegas domestic violence attorneys, and even in the entire state of Nevada
where a certain Batterer’s Intervention Program exists. Nevada’s Committee on
Domestic Violence coordinates, tracks, and handles these rehabilitation programs
for perpetrators in line with NRS 228.470 and NAC Chapter 228.
The Fundamentals of the Intervention
According to the State of Nevada’s
Batterer Treatment Standards, an intervention for domestic violence
perpetrators consists of “a variety of theories, modalities and techniques”. A domestic
violence perpetrator is considered different from other violent offenders and
should be treated using a different approach.
The primary aim of an intervention
is to put an end to the violence and prevent recidivism or the repetition of
the criminal act of the convicted. Looking profoundly into it, a treatment
program aims to build compassion for the perpetrators and make them recognize
that their behavior is negative and entails consequences like incarceration.
Rehabilitation for domestic violence
perpetrators is still relatively new, but with the desire to eliminate the root
of violence which is in the perpetrator, the community and the legal system are
pushing hard for its implementation. Currently, there are different
rehabilitation programs available which cater to different people, regardless
of gender, age and, social standing.
How Does Perpetrator Treatment Work?
Domestic violence perpetrators can enlist
themselves voluntarily for a program, but 80% of attendees are involved because
of a court order. An intervention is done during the accused’s probation.
Through the State’s sponsorship, the
treatment ensues within a running date of more than 24 weeks, while the
shortest time is 12 weeks.
During a treatment, therapists use
different program models as a syllabus for a perpetrator’s road to
enlightenment. These are the following:
The Duluth Model
This philosophy focuses on dominance
and force. It lets the perpetrators realize that they are accountable for their
violent behavior.
The Feminist
Socio-Political Theory
This model denotes that the violence
of a male perpetrator is due to a mind-set of gender inequality. The Feminist
Socio-Political Theory aims to teach to male perpetrators that genders are
equal.
The Cognitive Behavior
Therapy
From the name itself, the cognitive
is tapped upon the use of this model. The mind is a powerful force and
therapists use this to develop ways of thinking that will eventually manifest
on actions.
Psycho Educational Model
This approach utilizes education to
treat a perpetrator through tangible means like worksheets, visualizations, and
activities.
The Effectiveness of the Program
Just like any other forms of
therapy, the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program for a perpetrator
varies. There are numerous studies that show its increased effectiveness, while
there are also opposed findings.
It’s essential to understand the
side of a perpetrator in a domestic violence case, no matter how appalling it
may seem. Intervention programs for domestic violence perpetrators exist because
of one reason: the hope that an individual can improve.
If you want to know more about rehabilitation
for domestic violence perpetrators, get in touch today with Ross Goodman, the trusted domestic
violence attorney in Las Vegas, Nevada!
