The male batterer : a treatment approach /

In many ways, the title of this work is deceptively narrow-the book offers much more than a treatment approach to male batterers. Topics include perspectives on male ``rights'' to batter; reasons why men batter; counseling issues in dealing with batterers and battered women; techniques in assessing the degree of violence and the likelihood of serious injury or death; legal, professional, and personal ethical issues; ways to develop counseling programs for batterers and victims, and discussion of the broader issues of violence in society. A number of assessment forms used by the authors in their treatment programs are included in the appendix. Sonkin, Martin, and Walker have each written chapters in their fields of expertise, producing an extremely informative, in-depth analysis of the problems of battering. Of particular interest to many therapists will be the discussion of the landmark cases that highlight the dilemma between confidentiality and the responsibility to warn potential victims of a client's violent intentions. The format is basically that of a text, is easy to follow, and is interspersed with questions for the reader, case studies, and specific points of information. Comprehensive, well organized, and well written, this work is highly recommended for mental health professioals, students, and anyone interested in learning about the problems of battering.-L.H. Monahan, University of New Haven