Fathers and Violence

“Stover provides clear, definitive guidance for working with fathers who have engaged in violent behavior and who seek to heal their relationships with their children. Complex concepts are made more approachable by helpful, varied case examples, as well as worksheets and homework prompts. In addition to describing core aspects of assessment and treatment, Stover provides a foundational review of the literature on family violence, long-term effects of child maltreatment, and the importance of fathers in children's lives. Thoughtful discussions of legal and safety concerns and aftercare considerations are included. This book presents an inclusive and sensitive approach to the important issue of healing following family violence.”

—Jill D. Stinson, PhD, Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University


“The book includes a detailed description of the F4C program, helpful examples of therapist–client dialogue, and multiple case studies. It provides a roadmap of the knowledge, skills, and strategies that mental health service providers need for critical conversations with fathers who have used violence in their families.”

—Katreena Scott, PhD, CPsych, Professor and Academic Director, Center for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada


“Stover presents a much-needed, encouraging clinical approach that contrasts with more stigmatizing traditional interventions. Using careful screening and continuous monitoring to exclude individuals who pose a continuing risk of violence, F4C offers tailored interventions for those men who demonstrate a strong desire to be nurturing, successful parents. The book walks clinicians through phases of intervention focused on taking responsibility, motivation for change, understanding children’s needs, empathy, emotion regulation, making amends, and positive father–child and coparent interactions. Rich case examples, sample scripts for introducing interventions, and client handouts make this an invaluable guide for graduate classes and internship training settings, as well as for experienced clinicians.”

—Norman B. Epstein, PhD, Department of Family Science (Emeritus), School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park


“This well-written book comprehensively presents the F4C program, integrating research evidence with extensive, richly evocative clinical case studies and dozens of program tools and handouts. Stover effectively engages both scholars and practitioners in the field. She succinctly describes the history of interventions that address intimate partner abuse and family violence, and compellingly argues for the value of incorporating men’s identities and roles as fathers into these interventions.”

—Eric Mankowski, PhD, Department of Psychology, Portland State University