Feeling Their Pain
Steven Stosny says he can break the cycle of domestic violence. So why are victims' advocates some of his biggest critics?
Cover Story
Steven Stosny says he can break the cycle of domestic violence. So why are victims' advocates some of his biggest critics?
Photographs by Darrow Montgomery
On a cold, blustery night last November, John, a 39-year-old, white, divorced father of three, makes his way down Good Luck Road to Reid Temple Episcopal Church in Lanham, Md. His destination isn't the sanctuary, but Fellowship Hall I, a small, overheated cinder-block room that smells of franks and beans from the nearby kitchen. He picks the table closest to the door, puts his carry-out coffee down, and plops himself into a metal folding chair. There, he reluctantly awaits his transformation.
Around him are arrayed two dozen or so men and a handful of women. Many don't bother to take off their heavy winter coats or make themselves comfortable. After all, this is not an easy room to get comfortable in: Nearly everyone here has been arrested for assaulting a spouse, significant other, or relative. Nearly everyone is here because a judge or probation officer ordered it. Everyone in the room is keenly aware of this fact, and practically no one speaks or makes eye contact.
First-night jitters are to be expected, especially tonight, the first session of a court-ordered "intervention" for batterers. Authorities have ordered these men and women to attend in the hope that, after 12 weekly meetings, they will never again assault the ones they love. ... Continued 
Issue of Apr. 27 - May. 3, 2001
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