An increasing number of men who have committed domestic violence are seeking psychological help, two therapists contend.
Vísir reports that in 2006, two psychologists – Andrés Ragnarsson and Einar Gylfi Jónsson – started a programme for men who have engaged in domestic violence and spousal abuse called “Men Accountable” (“Karlar til ábyrgðar”). The programme, which works with the Women’s Shelter and other parties, aims to help men who have used violence against their partners to learn how to deal with their emotions in a healthier manner, through individual and group psychological therapy sessions.
The two therapists report that 55 men sought therapy from them last year, and that this has increased by 10-15% over the past three years.
Men Accountable has taken in clients from 18 to 75 years of age, with most falling in the 25 to 45 age group. The greatest increase, says Andrés, is amongst men under the age of 35. When asked if he believes this increase is somehow connected with the increase in domestic violence in Iceland in general, he was reluctant to speculate, telling reporters, “Ultimately, these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg.”
Andrés contends that the results of the therapy have so far been positive, but the results of more exact research on the subject should be due out in about two months.
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