This kind of violence is for either stopping unacceptable behavior or rule enforcement. While there is often a element of punishment, the stronger that element, the more it moves towards predatorial violence. Having said that, although behavior correcting violence (BCV) is targeted at the individual, it is seldom as extreme as predatorial violence. In fact, often it is not violence per se, but justifiable use of force. This is just one of the many reasons why it is distinct from predatorial violence.

The goal of this kind of violence is to put an end to unacceptable behavior of a group member. It is not to drive the group member away. (Or as is the case of territorial violence to drive a non-group member away). Nor is the intent of this form to injure or kill. BCV is the most limited and -- if such a word can be used to describe violence -- 'safest' kind of violence.

To understand the limit for BCV, the tribal analogy is again useful. While one must establish a social order and enforce behavioral guidelines for group members of different standing, one cannot go around crippling tribal members. Again, doing so weakens the tribe's defensive capability. You do not want to hurt members of your group because such behavior is counter to survival -- both your own and the group. This is a mistake common to the insecure alphas and behavior common to certain personality types. Although many people wish to believe that BCV is unacceptable, it is a fact of life -- especially in certain social circles and conditions.

With this tribal analogy should also come the understanding why most violence occurs between people who know each other. And why, as emotionally scary and unpleasant as it may be, why we say most violence isn't intended to cause death or grievous bodily injury. This type of violence is the most common.

Subsets and Variables
This kind of violence can come in many subsets, for example, to warn someone away, to 'put someone in their place' to convince someone to stop doing something, to stop to violent/antisocial behavior, etc., etc.. The possible reasons for BCV are nearly limitless. This kind of violence can occur for legitimate reasons as well as bad/selfish ones.

But, you should know, this behavior is most closely associated with 'fighting.' It is the common result of an argument that escalates into the physical. In those circumstances, you have two people who are equally convinced that the other person is in the wrong and committed to changing the other person's behavior.

Behavior correcting violence is deeply intertwined with threat displays. And in fact it often is part of the threat display. That is to say in the middle of a screaming argument one person who having made a threat display, feels that the warning has been ignored, will step forward and strike and then return to yelling and posturing in order to achieve the change in others behavior. In essence, even though a blow has been struck, this is still a threat display ... not a committed attack intent on causing harm. Although a blow has been struck, the offer of 'stop what you are doing and you will not be struck again' is very much there. The threat of violence wasn't enough, this kind of BCV demonstrates that the other person is indeed willing to use violence if the unacceptable behavior does not stop. Simply stated, the best way to prevent further violence is to change the behavior that prompted it.

The truth is often behavioral correcting violence is based in honest anger over the legitimate misconduct of the person being struck. In fact, you might want to read the pages on how to get attacked and the difference between assertive and aggressive ... after you've read the section on boundaries. You might also want to look up the "Fighting Word Doctrine" in your local statutes.

Having said all this, it is important to realize what behavior correcting violence ISN'T. It is not extended punishment. That is not only a beating, but an assault. Nor is it a chance to vent pent up hostilities and rage. That is not only predatorial, but abuse. This is a line that many people cross when it comes to behavior correcting violence -- especially with domestic violence and abuse of children. This abuse is justified as 'punishment.'  While BCV can have a positive purpose, when it crosses these lines it becomes predatorial. And predatorial violence serves no other purpose than the selfishness, ego and dysfunction of the person doing it.

However, as we talk about on the Mushy page these lines can be vague and easy to cross.