Violent natures

As a seasoned forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over three decades of experience working with perpetrators of violence, I can wholeheartedly endorse the upcoming Reith Lectures titled “Four Questions about Violence.” In each lecture, the speaker delves into pressing questions about the nature of violence and its causes, providing valuable insights from a clinical perspective.

The Reith Lectures is on Tuesday at 9am on Radio 4. Add it to your collection now

For more than three decades, I’ve been treating individuals involved in acts of violence as both a forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist. This year, the theme of my Reith Lectures is “Four Key Inquiries into Violence,” where I address questions that are frequently posed to me.

In my initial discussion, I delve into the question of whether aggression is inherent or typical among humans, finding instead that it’s largely uncharacteristic. Most people tend to be peaceful towards one another. Interestingly, when law-breaking does involve violence, it is often an exception rather than a norm. Remarkably, rates of criminal violence have been on a downward trend in Europe for approximately the past six decades. However, this doesn’t imply that violence isn’t an issue; instead, its rarity and complexity should compel us to pay it more attention, not less.

I’d emphasise that there are different kinds of violence. I’m speaking from the perspective of individual perpetrators, rather than social violence by groups, either within societies or between countries. In my experience, social violence, like the riots in the summer, involves many factors, not just individual psychology. But I do think individual violence and social violence have this in common – they’re distorted and disturbing variations of communication. As one of my patients once said to me, “I think people are violent when they have no voice.”

He additionally expressed that his actions were fueled by emotions such as shame, rage, and despair, which may have been the case for some participants in the 2024 riots. However, it’s crucial to recognize that numerous rioters differed significantly from the individuals I interact with, whether they are imprisoned or hospitalized. Many were well-educated, employed, financially stable, and maintained healthy relationships. In my second lecture, I argue that many of these people might have succumbed to overwhelming feelings of hatred and a sense of entitlement. This concept is further explored in my lecture, where I propose that we all possess the potential to slip into states of mind characterized by cruelty and abnormality – this is why there’s such widespread fascination with true crime narratives and dramas about violent tragedies, such as those found in Ancient Greek plays or Shakespearean works.

A patient said people are violent when they have no voice

I’m deeply appreciative to the Ministry of Justice for offering me the chance to deliver my third talk on the link between trauma and prison violence, focusing on a therapeutic program that’s been integral to their offender rehabilitation for more than half a century. This therapeutic approach encourages prisoners to engage in intensive group therapy sessions three times weekly, along with other educational activities related to psychology. Research has demonstrated that these methods empower individuals to acknowledge their actions and behave more positively in the future, while also decreasing the likelihood of reoffending upon release.

In the realm of cinema, I’d say immersing oneself within these rehabilitation programs isn’t a walk in the park, as it demands emotional resilience. The process isn’t sugarcoated or simplified; it can be agonizing as offenders are required to confront their past actions, not only the harm they inflicted on others but also the turmoil they experienced themselves. However, these programs aren’t about offering a free pass or absolution. Instead, they encourage rigorous self-reflection and dedication towards accountability and personal safety post-release.

In my recent talk, titled “Can We Transform Violent Mindsets?“, I affirmatively answer the question with a resounding “Yes, we can!” The evidence supports this assertion. It’s feasible to reform certain individuals who commit violence if we possess a thorough grasp of the root causes and exacerbating factors involved at the time. When we implement rehabilitative measures, they typically prove beneficial. I delve into the merits of restorative justice, a strategy that has been demonstrated effective in facilitating encounters between victims and perpetrators of violence. This approach encourages offenders to acknowledge their wrongdoings and express remorse for them.

My discussions propose a thought experiment: Should we reconsider our strategies for addressing the issue of violence? I encourage you to question the notion that harsh prison treatment of offenders is beneficial, as research suggests it may exacerbate violence rather than reduce it. It’s not about condoning or overlooking violence, but rather channeling negative emotions into more constructive and innovative pursuits, and it’s also a fiscally responsible decision.

2024-11-19 17:38

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