Characteristics of Spouse Abusers

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Abstract
With increased attention being paid to the problem of male to female spouse abuse, the importance of understanding abuser characteristics is growing. Although violence abatement programs are developing, it has been observed clinically that abusers frequently fail to volunteer for such treatment when it is available. In an initial study, religious affiliation and history of abuse as a child predicted volunteering for treatment, but not following through. In a second replication study, both history of abuse and having witnessed maternal abuse predicted volunteering, and following through on accepting treatment. When both groups were combined, history of abuse as a child predicted both volunteering and following through on treatment for violence abatement. Witnessing of maternal abuse was marginally related to volunteering and following through on treatment acceptance. These results are discussed in terms of setting programmatic and social policy for motivating spouse abusers to accept treatment.

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