Fourth, the theory of an Abusive Personality suggests that programs that impact trauma healing, attachment disorders, anger issues, etc. are also potentially contributing to the prevention of domestic violence incidents. This could include the preventative measure of addressing the needs of children living in homes where there is domestic violence. A further implication is that communities that provide emotional support for men with a tendency to episodic violence are impacting domestic violence. Both of these scenarios represent more plausible programs for Peace Bridges than a program using interventions in violent circumstances.
Fifth, the importance of the impact of violence on children in perpetuating the cycle of violence is another crucial area for consideration. Partners and peacebuilders who work with children could be educated and equipped to recognize and bring healing to children and, in the long term, the broader society.
Sixth, the literature denotes both the seriousness of the crisis and the possibilities for change. Peace Bridges must be hopeful, but also realistic, about the types of programs and interventions that are appropriate to engage in, especially when considering the potential volatile situations that family violence can bring.
Finally, the literature challenges practitioners to rethink family violence: its causes, its cycles, its effects, and even the relationships between victims and perpetrators. Studies like those included in this review indicate directions to explore, theories to consider, and starting places for creative thinking for helping families cultivate peace. While the bulk of studies (and, therefore, the majority of this review) has focused on violence of men toward women and children, practitioners should always bear in mind the admonition of Young et al:
It is equally important to examine the full context and complexities of family violence: To seriously recognize members of either gender as primary abusers and violent perpetrators; the existence of mutual couples violence; sequential intimate violence where current abusers were past victims of abuse in the same relationship; violence by children toward parents; sibling violence; parental abuse of children and violence in general within the kinship family system. A sincere and concerted effort must be made to avoid simplistic yet appealing dichotomies of victim/perpetrator. (Young et al 2006: 9)The literature does not speak with a single voice, but with the many cries of victims and witnesses. Perhaps the most important lesson of the literature, then, is for practitioners to see the theories and controversies as tools for understanding people; they are never substitutes for the people themselves.
