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The co-editors of the journal's two special issues on "Violence in America" from group psychotherapy and mental health standpoints review the articles in Part I and introduce the articles in Part II. The latter includes articles on anger management in groups, group psychotherapy for domestic violence, domestic "homegrown" terrorism, and two general commentaries. The co-editors provide broad reference points for the focus on clinical concerns, levels of treatment, variations in types of perpetrators, screening for groups, and the group-as-a-whole, relational, and social contexts of violence. Whether in small therapy groups, social interventions, or society's management of violence, empathy, boundaries, holding, and containment must be provided in such a way that they prevent violent acts while healing the hurts and shame that underlie violence in all its forms. Therapists' familiarity with these issues in their work can contribute fruitfully to treatment efforts and addressing a pressing social problem.

The co-editors introduce a two-part Special Section of the Journal devoted to understanding and treating violence in America. They examine the relevance of clinical experience for contributions that can be made by group therapists and group dynamic thinkers to the growing national dialogue about this problem. The pervasive nature, causes, and different forms of violence in the United States are compared with those found in other countries. Underlying sociocultural values and myths, historical and current cultural contexts are considered breeding grounds for potential violence. How therapists can promote healthy change in their groups and in the broader society is explored. The articles contained in part one are reviewed against this backdrop.