Adopting a Stages of Change Approach for Individuals Who Are Violent with Their Intimate Partners

Abstract

Summary The Stages of Change principles related to individuals' attempts to change problem behaviors provides a useful framework for illuminating the processes by which individuals may be able to successfully eliminate violence directed toward intimate partners. In this article, the five stages and relapse phenomenon are discussed, along with implications for developing standards for violence prevention interventions, the potential of stage-matched interventions, and the importance of addressing the ongoing risk of violence. Key Words: Intimate partner violencestages of changereadiness to change