“When Men Batter Women: New Insights Into Ending Abusive Relationships”

This book is a compilation of highly publicized research from these University of Washington scientists. The authors describe two types of batterers and explain which kind of batterer is more amenable to counseling and help. They describe how women can prepare themselves psychologically to leave an abusive relationship. Neil Jacobson and John Gottman take a hard line on batterers, saying that legal sanctions must be applied to offenders, whether or not they also choose psychotherapy. The authors, in fact, are skeptical that one type of batterer can even be rehabilitated. This book will further advance a field in urgent need of research-based advice.