Revisiting Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory to Better Understand and Assist Victims of Intimate Personal Violence

Domestic violence or intimate personal violence, a matter once considered private, has gained increased attention as a public health crisis. In their efforts to better understand and prevent this behavior, social science researchers and epidemiologists have discovered the link between early exposure to violence and spousal abuse. This paper uses Albert Bandura's social learning theory to explain interpersonal and intergenerational violence. In the final analysis, it argues that effective treatment and prevention should include both criminal justice and public health strategies.