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.

The topic of the thesis is "Criminal Law and Criminological Aspects of Domestic Violence". The phenomenon of domestic violence transpires through the whole society; it is a socially-wide issue which has been present for a long period of time. Initially, domestic violence was considered to be a private problem not to be intervened by the state. However, in last 30 years this attitude has changed and the interception of domestic violence gone through a significant transformation. The society started to recognize this issue as a subject of a public concern which requires also state intervention. The complexity of domestic violence requires interdisciplinary approach. The first part of the thesis provides definition and general description of domestic violence. It describes elements of domestic violence (such as privateness, recurrence, long-term, inequality of the involved parties, escalation, etc.), its kinds and forms, rules and specifics which differentiates domestic violence from other types of violent conduct. Further, it describes causes of domestic violence and theories of causes leading to its occurrence. The end of the first chapter deals with the role of gender in domestic violence. Criminological part of the thesis presents view on the perpetrators and victims of domestic violence and more...

Title The awareness about domestic violence among the Czech community Author Jana Trochtová Abstract Presented diploma thesis had for the object the theoretical processing of development of the phenomenon of domestic violence in historical contexts, the identification of variety and classification of domestic violence, the specification of victim and perpetrator of domestic violence and of course the identification of the effects that domestic violence in the family or intimate relationship brings to the victim or the perpetrator. Theoretical part of the thesis deals with the structure of professional organizations in the Czech Republic, the possibilities of the prevention and especially with the therapy of the perpetrator as well. The practical part of this diploma thesis was focused on evaluation of awareness about domestic violence among the Czech community, whereas the main output was the analysis of Czech community's readiness for perpetrator's therapeutic programs and the expression of its own preferences for improving the awareness of discussed issue. The method of questionnaire research was used for data collection. The diploma thesis is supplemented by information obtained from professionals working in specific organization helping people affected by domestic violence.