The Batterer: A Psychological Profile

by Donald G. Dutton, Susan K. Golant

What kind of man deliberately hurts the woman he loves? Drawing on his pathbreaking studies of more than seven hundred abusive men, as well as therapy with hundreds more, Dutton paints a dramatic and surprising portrait of the man who assaults his intimate partner.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Reference

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Ellis Amdur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dutton is perhaps the pre-eminent researcher on violent males in relationships, particularly the "cyclical batterer," a man who is perniciously dependent upon his spouse or partner, this pathological need causing him to hate what he so needs. The cyclical batterer follows a stereotypical pattern of fulminating internal tension, followed by violent assault followed by spurious remorse, the latter the flip side of his dependence. In other words, the victim is either at his feet or on a pedestal. All his actions are frantic, often enraged, attempts to keep her with him - on his terms. The book is not a comprehensive look at all batterers - this book focuses most specifically on the cyclical batterer, who essentially shows a borderline personality structure. Other books, Dutton's own included, cover some of these other types, whose patterns of abuse and violence are quite different.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there had been more information on individual therapy tools, but overall this is a great book for understanding the broken mental state of an abuser or out of control angry person (many of my clients).

[Francisco Basavilbaso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the way this author explains. Clear, without too much technicality. I'd like to find other books of this kind, that explore different psicological profiles.
As a medical student I found it both useful and interesting.

[Andrea Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

With so much focus on victims, the batterer and what contributes to his behavior is frequently overlooked. By understanding that the batterer is created from a unique combination of genetic propensity, abusive/absent father, distant/disengaged mother, and societal trends denigrating women, maybe, just maybe future generations of children with abusive potential can be identified and interventions can be made to mitigate the damage of this inter-generational victimization cycle.

Dutton has made great strides in understanding the unique circumstances which create abusive people. This book is well written and the conclusions are well supported with clincal data. The next step will be developing early interventions for children exposed to violence in the home, and assisting victimized adults to reconnect with their children.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definitive work on the cycle-of-abuse pattern of domestic violence and its perpetrators. Dutton distilled decades of work with batterers into this presentation of the roots and internal workings of this pattern of partner abuse and what works best in trying to change it. Especially useful is his section on early warning signs that are likely to show up in the beginning stages of a relationship and can serve as red flags warning the other person to get any more deeply involved.

[Sarah Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was research for a novel I'm writing. It's pretty dead-on as far as my experiences go. It was interesting to see a perspective from the abuser himself.

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well documented treatise on a challenging and disturbing topic.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for some continuing education credits that I need to get...