When discussing domestic violence, much of the focus – rightly so – is on supporting survivors. But to truly break the cycle of abuse, we must also address the underlying issues those who cause harm have been unable to resolve on their own. Domestic violence perpetrator intervention programs (often called DV groups or batterer intervention programs) are essential for holding individuals accountable and helping them to change harmful behaviors. Yet, research and clinical practice show that group intervention alone is usually not enough to be successful.
“Integrating mental health treatment alongside DV groups can make a profound difference in long-term outcomes,” said Laurie Bragg, manager of administration for Catholic Charities Behavioral Health. “It really involves taking things a step further to get to root causes of abusive behavior.”
Why DV Groups Alone May Not Be Enough
DV groups provide education, accountability, and peer learning. They focus on challenging beliefs that support abusive behavior and building healthier relationship skills. These are all vital steps to recovery; still, many perpetrators also struggle with underlying mental health conditions such as:
- Depression and anxiety, often masked by anger or aggression
- Unresolved trauma or childhood exposure to violence.
- Substance use disorders that exacerbate violent behavior
- Personality disorders or emotional dysregulation that fuel control and abuse
Without addressing these deeper issues, participants may complete a DV program but fail to make meaningful, lasting change.
The Role of Mental Health Treatment
When combined with DV groups, individual or psychiatric treatment provides a more comprehensive path to change. Benefits include:
- Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders: Depression, PTSD, or substance use can undermine progress in a DV group. Mental health treatment ensures these conditions are recognized and treated.
- Improving Emotional Regulation: Therapy helps individuals identify triggers, manage anger, and develop healthier coping skills, reducing the likelihood of violent outbursts.
- Breaking Intergenerational Cycles: Many perpetrators were exposed to violence in childhood. Mental health support allows them to process their own trauma, so they are less likely to repeat the cycle with their own families.
- Increasing Accountability: DV groups teach responsibility for one’s actions, but therapy provides a space to explore the deeper “why” behind those actions -without excusing the harm.
- Supporting Long-Term Change: Sustained behavioral change requires both skill-building and healing. By combining group accountability with individualized treatment, perpetrators have a stronger chance of changing harmful patterns permanently.
“Domestic violence is never justified, and those who cause harm must be held accountable. But accountability without healing is incomplete. By pairing DV perpetrator groups with mental health treatment, communities can create more effective interventions – ones that not only stop immediate violence but also prevent future harm,” said Bragg. “This combined approach is not about offering excuses; it’s about building the conditions necessary for real, lasting change. When perpetrators address both their behavior and their mental health, families and communities become safer, healthier, and stronger.”
To connect with Catholic Charities Behavioral Health, please call 1-877-448-4466.
