Domestic violence: Including everyone

Reviews the book, Gender Inclusive Treatment of Intimate Partner Abuse: A Comprehensive Approach by John Hamel (see record 2005-02243-000). The reviewer contends that domestic violence evaluation and treatment has traditionally focused on women battered by men. This is certainly a problem, when research shows that women initiate violent interactions and that men may also be victims of violence. In this book, the author offers a different approach to viewing, assessing, and treating domestic violence. He presents a method that includes specific, comprehensive family interventions aimed at breaking the cycle of abuse-regardless of the gender of the abuser. Hamel provides thorough assessment forms (and protocols) in the book that permit evaluation of the intricacies of behaviors and attitudes in families and couples, and are helpful in delineating specific target areas for treatment. The reviewer notes that the book is a good resource for both professionals and students. It is easy to read and follows a well-organized format. Hamel provides an introduction to each section and justification for each aspect of his approach as well. The book will appeal mostly to those interested in providing treatment for domestic violence but is helpful to others as well. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)