Australian Men’s Health Expert Dean Quirke Held Online Workshop for Trauma Psychology Students on DFV TYPOLOGIES: Two Types of Domestic Violence - Cobra vs. Pit Bull Typology

On November 24, 2022, Mr. Dean Quirke, men’s health expert from Australia, shed new light on the epidemic of intimate partner violence (IPV). In an online three-hour free workshop for the IUS Trauma Psychology students, Mr. Quirke shared his knowledge and expertise. In this workshop, the speaker explained, discussed and examined IPV in the context of the behavioral addiction paradigm, talked about different types of IPV or Domestic/Family violence: situational couple violence and sustained pattern of violence (sustained pattern of violence: 95-98% of abusers are men) and Cobra versus Pit Bull typology of intimate partner abusive behavior.

Mr. Quirke also discussed different types of aggression resulting from these different types of abusive behavior. Explaining how these two types of domestic violence have different root causes and consequences for the victims, perpetrators’ and victims’ characteristics and assumptions, he highlighted strategies to help recognize and respond to this behavior. By shedding light on what partners and counsellors need to know about Cobra and Pit Bull type abusive behavior, Mr. Quirke wrapped up the workshop.

A Clinical psychologist Ms. Indira H. Novic and Mr. Dean Quirke co-authored a book “Toxic Love: Breaking the Addictive Patterns of Domestic Abuse”. Reaching out to men motivated to stop abusing their partners, the authors draw on a psychoeducational approach and offer strategies to break free from the cycle of violence. They invite men to explore the nature of repetitive patterns of abusive behavior, and reasons why these patterns tend to escalate in frequency and severity. By dismantling the dangerous aspects of the perpetrator’s personality - they may have become addicted to abusing their partners - perpetrators feel freer to create healthier relationships. An equally important goal is to assist victims to heal from the trauma of the abuse. The authors also help victims understand what drives abusers to repeatedly abuse them.

For more information on the book, please visit: https://www.amazon.com.au/Toxic-Love-Breaking-Addictive-Patterns-ebook/dp/B08YCYNWLN