NCJ Number
243130
Date Published
2011
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This chapter explains how specific aspects of a domestic violence batterers program can be adapted for sex offender treatment.
Abstract
The components of treatment for domestic violence perpetrators that are recommended for treatment with sex offenders are the Responsibility Exercise, the Accountability Exercise, "I" Statements, the Duluth Power and Control Wheel, the Abuse of Children Wheel, and the Nurturing Children Wheel. The Responsibility Exercise asks clients to list ways they have blamed others or minimized their abusive behavior. This assists in "flagging" such thoughts for recognition and effective coping strategies. The Accountability Exercise, asks offenders to list the ways they have sexually abused in the domestic domain, which helps in identifying the progression of the abuse. This enables clients to recognize their abuse patterns and develop relapse prevention plans. In the second half of the exercise, clients discuss all the ways in which sexual abuse can or may impact the victims. "I" statements in a group context is not a specific exercise; rather it is a practice taught in the first group session for use throughout treatment. It encourages offenders to focus on themselves as the center and cause of their behavioral problems. The Duluth Power and Control Wheel was used weekly in treatment in the identification of minimizations, blaming, denial, and other attempts to control people and situations. The wheel is a visual tool that explains minimization, denial, and blaming. The Abuse of Children Wheel asks offenders to identify on the wheel the tactics they used in controlling their victims during the sexual abuse. The wheel can be posted around the room to facilitate discussion of the abuse of children. The Nurturing Children Wheel describes nurturing behavior toward children in contrast to the abusive control of children. 6 figures and 3 references