Renewal and reconciliation after family violence

Abstract

SUMMARY This article is based on a presentation by Dr. Kaufman at a workshop with Laura Davis and Rabbi Drorah Setel. The author notes that without their contributions this discussion is incomplete. The workshop description read: How and why do men who batter change? Should reconciliation between survivors and former perpetrators be a goal? How should Jewish institutions respond to the questions? What Jewish texts and traditions can we draw upon to consider these issues? The author addresses the first question: How and why do men who batter change?