Abstract
In this paper I explore how and if meditation may be used as a tool of transforming domestic violence batterers (people who use violence and coercion with intimates), into peaceful, nonviolent individuals. Previous studies on the effectiveness of Vipassana and Transcendental meditation used in prisons indicate that meditation has improved the subjective well being and quality of life of inmates through such determinants as reductions in the rate of recidivism, criminal propensity, and feelings of depression and helplessness. Though batterers are often not imprisoned for the crime of domestic violence, many batterers have similar issues as violent inmates, and recidivism is one of the greatest challenges to batterers intervention programs.
Since violence is learned, it is necessary to examine how the brain functions in order to change thought patterns and learned reactions. Using research from neuroscientists and quantum physicists, I explore how we become addicted to certain emotional responses, and how meditation practices physically change the brain.
In addition, since domestic violence is a complex and widespread social ill, it is important to fully understand its many dimensions in order to properly treat it. Therefore, I explore gender construction, violence and masculinity, and how the patriarchal society creates power imbalances that perpetuate violence against women. I conclude the domestic violence section by reviewing current approaches to ending violent behavior in batterers, such as batterer intervention and anger management programs.
The intention of my research is to see if individuals working in the domestic violence field (with batterers and victims), as well as prison meditation teachers, think that a) meditation would be an effective method of transforming batterers, b) if it needs to be complemented with additional approaches, and c) if there are any obstacles that might inhibit the effectiveness of meditation. After analyzing the findings, I propose an alternative model for batterers intervention programs which includes meditation as a guiding practice for transformation.