Lyse Montminy

Responding to the Needs of Older Women Experiencing Domestic Violence

Olderwomen experiencing domestic violence are an invisible group who fall into the gap between two forms of family violence: elder abuse and domestic violence. This article reviews the literature in both fields, describing each paradigm, how it explains and responds to its specific form of violence, and why neither has been able to provide an adequate response to domestic violence against older women. A collaborative response is needed, accounting for both the age and gender dimensions of the problem.

Family Violence: Through the Lens of Power and Control

ABSTRACT How to intervene in situations falling between the fields of child abuse, domestic violence, and elder abuse? This literature review from a feminist perspective explores some theoretical issues, using the lens of power and control. Common themes that emerged: the complexity of power dynamics, intrafamilial patterns of abuse, and the role of psychological abuse. Practice recommendations were to (a) distinguish between “abuse” (with power dynamics) and “mistreatment” (without), (b) consider structural limitations of practice, and (c) assess the role of perpetrator pathologies. More research is needed on psychological abuse and the workings of power. Integrative models of practice are needed, supported by screening/assessment tools and training.

Therapeutic Factors at the Beginning of the Intervention Process in Groups for Men Who Batter

This study aims to identify which therapeutic factors supported members in their commitment to a group for abusive men. Seventy-one members of therapy groups for men who batter were asked to rank therapeutic factors based on how they experienced the relative importance of these factors in their experience at the beginning of the group process. Findings indicate that at this stage, abusive men place greater importance on cognitive aspects that correspond to a process of self-understanding and awareness of their problem, whereas the interactive and emotional aspects of the group experience appear less significant. Results are discussed in terms of members’ characteristics and purposes for these groups.

The Emergence and the Effects of Therapeutic Factors in Groups

ABSTRACT This article explores the emergence of therapeutic factors in domestic violence mens group, as well as their effects on participants and the group. The authors conducted semistructured interviews with 72 men from groups in Quebec, after their fourth session. Thirty-eight of these men were met again, following their 16th session. A critical incident technique permitted us to identify various therapeutic factors. Three key factors are discussed: imparting information, hope, and cohesion. The authors found different processes influencing their development, particularly the roles of the worker, other members, and the group as a whole. These factors helped members meet their objectives and by their interdependency also contributed to group development. The authors made links with mutual aid and identified implications for research and practice.

Therapeutic factors in the first stage of men's domestic violence groups: Men talk about universality and how it becomes operational in the group

This article reports on the qualitative findings of a Quebec study on therapeutic factors (TFs) in three ongoing mens domestic violence groups. The studys aim was to discover which TFs are important for male group members in their first stage of the group, and in particular, to explore how these men experienced and described universality. A content analysis was performed on interviews conducted with 72 group members following their third group session. We found that what was most important to the men was the knowledge they acquired about domestic violence, being able to share common concerns, and helping other members. The second part of the article reports on our qualitative analysts of universality, one of the most important TFs: how it was experienced by group members and how it became operational in the group. We believe that the methods of analysis developed in this study-examining symbols, characteristics, processes, and effects of TFs-can contribute to our understanding of the underlying elements of group work as an intervention method. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)