This study examined the role that rigid sex-role stereotyping and male socialization played in differentiating the three typologies of male batterers. The first purpose was to utilize a cluster analysis to determine whether the three male batterer clusters (Family Only (FO), Borderline-Dysphoric (BD) and Generally Violent- Antisocial (GVA)) theorized by Holtzworth-Munroe and Stuart (1994) could be reproduced using the MMPI-2. 101 adult court referred males on probation for domestic violence were given the MMPI-2, and three distinct batterer typologies emerged. Once the clusters were established, this study attempted to determine if the theoretical model proposed by Jennings and Murphy (2000), which emphasized male socialization and its potential effect on male-female interactions within intimate relationships, is influential in creating differentiation among the cluster typologies. Specifically, an emphasis was placed on examining how the FO male batterer cluster differed from the BD and GVA clusters. Four variables were theorized to best represent Jennings and Murphy'™s (2000) model, including: the Masculine-Feminine (MF) clinical scale, Social Introversion (Si) clinical scale, Gender-Masculine (GM) supplementary scale and Low Self-Esteem (LSE) content scale. A MANOVA was utilized to see if the three batterer typologies differed on the variables (MF, Si, GM, and LSE) that encompass the male socialization construct. Results indicated that statistically significant differentiation did exist between the three clusters. Furthermore, there was indication that the FO men adhered more closely to rigid traditional male roles and displayed higher self-esteem. Discussion focused on the importance of matching treatment to batterer typology and the importance of incorporating discussion of male socialization into group therapy treatment.

The focus of this hermeneutic phenomenological, qualitative study was to gather an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of male batterers participating in a standardized Duluth-model batterers' treatment group. The study had three main goals: (a) to understand the experience of male batterers participating in a standardized male batterers' treatment program, (b) to improve the treatment being provided to male batterers, and (c) to improve services to those impacted by domestic violence. Results from previous studies indicated that treatment for male batterers is ineffective and inconsistent and that the treatment provided, regardless of framework or modality, has little or no effect on recidivism. This study advances understanding of male-batterer treatment by exploring treatment from the perspective of those who receive it. The study included 9 men currently participating in a Duluth model batterer's treatment program in Minot, North Dakota. From the study results, 3 overall themes emerged: (a) overall group experience, (b) facilitators, and (c) Duluth model. Results indicated that the current delivery of the treatment is not effective for batterers. Findings suggested that the facilitators played an essential role in the treatment program. Findings further suggested that participants believed the Duluth model could be an effective treatment modality for batterers. Study findings may inform a more responsive and comprehensive treatment modality for male batterers. Such an intervention may improve service delivery for both batterers and victims as well as improve recidivism. These changes may result in positive social change for not only families caught in the cycle of violence but also for every sector of society.