Violent Offenders and Their Victims

by Chad C. Breckenridge (Author)

Violent Offenders and Their Victims is a holistic and human exploration of the nature of violence and its genesis. Chad C. Breckenridge provides a complete psychoanalytic, child developmental, and neurobehavioral understanding of empathic failure and violence. Breckenridge reviews current thinking about the criminal personality from both a psychological and sociological perspective and provides a foundation for the possibility of change and growth in offenders

Review
This work presents an exemplary study of the Restorative Justice Mediation process. By providing richly detailed transcriptions, in some cases, of the entire process, the author engages the reader deeply into the troubled lives of the perpetrators and their traumatized victims. The studies support the authors contention that, in some instances, violent criminals can acquire the capacity for empathy for their victims. I highly recommend this book to those in the criminal justice system who wish to broaden their view of the psychology of the population with whom they are involved. (Joseph Palombo, The Joseph Palombo Center for Neuroscience and Psychoanalytic Social Work)

Dr. Breckenridge offers the reader intimate, painful and deeply moving access to the minds of violent offenders, and a profound appreciation for the power of restorative justice experiences. He identified two essential constructs—empathy and understanding—and in the process of asking offenders to understand their victims, and victim families, he allows us to better understand these offenders' tragic pathways to crime. In our current criminal justice system, revenge dominates over rehabilitation. And yet, reading offenders' stories reinforces compelling research about the life altering effects of early adverse experiences. This book is a valuable asset for examining why people offend violently, and how society can reclaim members and rebuild community. (Anne Gearity, University of Minnesota)

If you had any doubt about the power of Restorative Justice this book will convince you. A must read for all Correctional professionals, Trauma Treatment Providers, Policy Makers, Victims of crime, and the Families impacted by crime. All you thought you knew about violent offenders will be challenged. Powerful, Emotional and Hopeful, I felt all of this and more. Restorative Justice is changing lives. (Jeanne Woodford, former director of the California Department of Corrections)

About the Author
Chad C. Breckenridge, PhD, is clinical social worker in private practice in Minneapolis.