Partner Violence and Anger Management

Partner Violence and Anger Management: a Randomised Controlled Study of the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the Brøset anger management model in reducing violent behavior amongst clients who are violent in intimate partnerships and who voluntarily seek help.

Violence in intimate partnerships constitutes a serious problem worldwide and there is reason to believe that cognitive behavior therapy has some effect on the reduction of violent behavior. However, there are currently too few randomized controlled studies to conclude about the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy for this client group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• fluent in Norwegian language
• is in a partner relationship at inclusion. Partner relationship is defined by having an intimate partner at present, or being in regular contact with a former intimate partner so that violence is possible (e.g. they have children)
• admits being violent to his partner (physical, mental and/or sexual)

Exclusion Criteria:

• psychosis
• alcohol- or drug addiction to a level that hinders group participation free from intoxication.