Pathways to Seeking Help From a Partner Abuse Intervention Program: A Qualitative Study of Voluntary and Non-Court-Mandated Latino Men’s Experiences

2019 ◽  
pp. 088626051988468
Author(s):  
Maxine Davis ◽  
Bruno Fernandez ◽  
Melissa Jonson-Reid ◽  
Stavroula Kyriakakis
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experience ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Partner Abuse ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Latino Men ◽  
Seeking Help ◽  
Court Mandated

Involvement in treatment for intimate partner violence and abuse (IPV/A) perpetration is often limited to those who are arrested and convicted of domestic violence offenses. Consequently, the majority of research into partner abuse intervention programs (PAIPs; also known as batterer intervention programs [BIPs]) has utilized data from court-mandated participants despite the existence of voluntary programs. Therefore, little is known about the experiences of voluntary and non-court-mandated BIP/PAIP participants. Using an interpretive phenomenological analysis, this study sought to understand how participants perceived their lived experience in seeking help from a voluntary BIP/PAIP serving Latino men. Men volunteering for this study participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews ( N = 16). The findings reveal that the decision to engage in a BIP/PAIP voluntarily is process laden. Participants described the process as involving a breakdown in the health of their intimate relationship, reaching tipping points at which avoiding help was no longer an option, and locating specific information on where to seek treatment. The findings also reveal that once involved, most participants anticipated and desired to engage in the program long term. This study illuminates the many factors that may contribute to decision-making when men who have acted abusively seek help. Strategies for increasing voluntary BIP/PAIP participation may involve enhancing marketing of services or information for accessing services, and personal relationship building between facilitators and potential participants.

The Dual Use of Religious-Faith in Intimate Partner Abuse Perpetration: Perspectives of Latino Men in a Parish-based Intervention Program

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 71-95
Author(s):  
Maxine Davis ◽  
Melissa Jonson-Reid
Keyword(s):  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Partner Abuse ◽  
Religious Faith ◽  
Gain Control ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Latino Men ◽  
Spiritual Abuse ◽  
The Relationship

Little is known about the role that religious-faith plays in the lives of men who have acted abusively against an intimate partner. Studies report mixed findings about the relationship between religious-faith and intimate partner violence/abuse (IPV/A) perpetration. This study explored the perceptions of Latino men involved in a parish-based partner abuse intervention program (PAIP). Two focus groups were conducted with members of the PAIP (N=18). Two major themes emerged. Participants reported using religious-faith as a mechanism for ending violence. However, participants also reported past misuse of religion in order to gain control over intimate partners. These apparently conflicting roles of religion were further elucidated in several sub-themes. Religious-faith is complex. This study offers insight into how faith may serve as both a risk and protective factor for IPV/A perpetration. Implications for how intervention programs may address participants’ religious-faith during treatment and how religio-spiritual abuse is measured are discussed.

scholarly journals The Men’s Group at St. Pius V: A Case Study of a Parish-Based Voluntary Partner Abuse Intervention Program

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 155798831989128
Author(s):  
Maxine Davis ◽  
Melissa Jonson-Reid ◽  
Charles Dahm ◽  
Bruno Fernandez ◽  
Charles Stoops ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Community Context ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Latino Men ◽  
Multiple Data ◽  
Court Mandated ◽  
Supportive Community

Literature on Latino men and intervention for intimate partner violence/abuse (IPV/A) is slim. Over 100 men have voluntarily sought help for IPV/A perpetration from “The Men’s Group” (TMG) at St. Pius V parish in Chicago, IL (US) and remained engaged for extended periods. Given the rarity of prolonged non-court mandated engagement in batterer intervention programs (BIPs), a case study was conducted to explore how TMG functions. Drawing on multiple data sources, this study examined development and implementation of TMG, while also investigating contextual factors, motivators and facilitators of participants’ involvement. Data revealed that TMG functions within a supportive community context by using a mixture of traditional techniques and innovative practices, creating a unique treatment modality. The program was found to be culturally-sensitive and spirituality-based. Reasons for initial attendance varied but included: (1) fear of losing or actual loss of their partner/family; (2) acknowledging a problem and desiring to change for self or others; and (3) a desire to reach inner peace. Three themes shed light on why men remain engaged in TMG, including: (1) being met with respect by facilitators; (2) experiencing TMG as “family”; and (3) gaining benefits. Reliance upon the criminal justice system is not enough to address IPV/A perpetration. This program shows promise as an alternative or supplement to traditional BIPs, which typically rely on clients being court-mandated to attend treatment. Given the widespread nature of IPV/A, understanding the operation of potential community-based alternatives or supplements to BIPs is critical in widening access to treatment.

“I Feel Your Pain”: Do Batter Intervention Programs Impact Perpetrators’ Empathy for Victims?

Partner Abuse ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane L. Zosky
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Partner Abuse ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Intervention Programs

This article explores the interpersonal dynamic of empathy with intimate partner violence. Given that lack of empathy seems to be related to intimate partner violence and an increase in the capacity for empathy could be a deterrent to future commission of violence, this study examined if there was any change in empathy over a 26-week partner abuse intervention program. In addition, this study examined if increases in empathy correlated with a decrease in aggression.

Batterer Intervention Programs

Criminology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher D. Maxwell
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Spouse Abuse ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Batterer Intervention ◽  
Court Order ◽  
Criminal Sanctions ◽  
Recent Developments

Since the mid-1970s, Western-leaning nations have focused on measuring and responding swiftly and punitively to domestic violence in all of its many forms (e.g., child abuse, spouse abuse, elder mistreatment). Within this arena, many advocates, academics, governmental staff, and legislatures have focused their attention on addressing what is now generally labeled intimate partner violence (a.k.a., wife abuse, domestic violence, spouse assault, batterer). While significant resources have gone toward understanding the victims’ experiences and providing them with both justice and comprehensive services, a similar focus has not existed for understanding and effectively intervening with the perpetrators of this violence. Within this space, just two questions have garnered the most interest among scholars and advocates. The first question is whether criminal sanctions, particularly the use of arrest, specifically deter future violence. The second is whether the perpetrators’ participation in a therapeutic batterer intervention program (BIP), particularly following a court order, reduces their likelihood of future violence. This bibliography focuses on studies that assess BIPs, specifically those designed to test whether BIPs reduce violence between intimate partners. It provides a general overview of BIPs, a section describing the development of the Duluth BIP, a review of BIP outcome and attrition studies, and a discussion of recent developments regarding the nature of these interventions.

The Impact of Perpetrator Characteristics on the Completion of a Partner Abuse Intervention Program

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (23-24) ◽  
pp. 5228-5254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jami L. Mach ◽  
Arthur L. Cantos ◽  
Emily N. Weber ◽  
David S. Kosson
Keyword(s):  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Readiness To Change ◽  
Partner Abuse ◽  
Stage Of Change ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Program Completion ◽  
Composite Score ◽  
Self Report ◽  
The Impact

This study examined how type of perpetrator (family only [FO] vs. generally violent [GV]), readiness to change, and stake in conformity function separately and together in predicting completion of a partner abuse intervention program (PAIP). Data were collected from 192 male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) who were court mandated to attend a PAIP. Participants were categorized as FO violent or GV based on a combination of their self-report and official records of violence. Stake in conformity has been defined as the degree to which an individual is invested in the values and institutions of a society. A composite stake in conformity score was computed for each participant based on his education level, and marital and employment status. Each participant was also assigned a stage of change score based on his responses on a validated measure of stage of change for domestic violence perpetrators. Analyses indicated that stage of change was not related to program completion or attendance. Type of perpetrator and stake in conformity composite score were significantly related to program completion. Perpetrators with higher stake in conformity scores and individuals categorized as FO attended more PAIP sessions and were more likely to complete the program. When both predictors were examined together, only stake in conformity composite score uniquely predicted program attendance and completion. These findings provide additional evidence that subtype of IPV perpetrator has implications for treatment responsiveness and provide preliminary evidence for the value of improved measurement of investment in societal institutions.

Substance Abuse by Men in Partner Abuse Intervention Programs: Current Issues and Promising Trends

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 236-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry W. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Substance Abuse Treatment ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Addiction Treatment ◽  
Partner Abuse ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Relative Value ◽  
Standard Of Practice ◽  
Abuse Treatment

This article discusses key studies linking intervention for co-occurring substance abuse and partner abuse. Findings are grouped into three areas: (a) the effect of addictions treatment on partner violence; (b) application of transtheoretical, motivational, and culturally focused approaches to improve engagement and prevent attrition; and (c) assessment-based matching of services. Finally, the relative value of serial, coordinated, and integrated substance abuse programs and partner abuse intervention programs are considered. We reached three primary conclusions: (a) Addiction treatment alone reduces the risk for future domestic violence in a subset of men who batter, (b) screening and assessment for substance abuse by all men in partner abuse intervention programs is a standard of practice but needs to extend beyond “intake” and occur periodically, and (c) coordinated and integrated substance abuse and domestic violence programs probably offer more safety than traditional serial substance abuse treatment followed by partner abuse intervention.

Male IPV Perpetrators' Perspectives on Facilitation of Batterer Intervention Program: Results From a 2-Year Study

Partner Abuse ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penelope K. Morrison ◽  
Patricia A. Cluss ◽  
Lynn Hawker ◽  
Elizabeth Miller ◽  
Donna George ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Partner Violence ◽  
Group Process ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Batterer Intervention ◽  
Batterer Intervention Programs ◽  
High Degree

As part of a two-year ethnographic study of batterer intervention programs (BIPs) we interviewed 76 male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) on their perspectives regarding BIP facilitators. Participants endorsed a number of characteristics of facilitators that helped to reduce their resistance to the group process and assisted in engaging them in the learning process, including facilitators who were invested in the program and its mission, and displayed a non-judgmental demeanor. At the same time, they also endorsed facilitators who were honest with them and challenged them on their behavior, and who exhibited a high degree of experience in IPV. Additionally, participants endorsed the need to have a female facilitator as part of the group to further promote engagement and learning. This study has implications for thinking about what components of BIP facilitation might be important for reducing some of the resistance that may lead to client attrition, and how BIPs can better engage clients in prosocial behavioral changes.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Severity, and Correlates of Suicidal Ideation Among Men and Women in Batterer Intervention Programs

Partner Abuse ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Wolford-Clevenger ◽  
Meagan J. Brem ◽  
Heather Zapor ◽  
JoAnna Elmquist ◽  
Gregory L. Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Alcohol Problems ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Batterer Intervention ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Batterer Intervention Programs ◽  
Court Mandated ◽  
The Relationship

Despite the robust association found between intimate partner violence perpetration and suicidal ideation (Ilgen et al., 2009), the understanding of the development of suicidal ideation among men and women court-mandated to attend batterer intervention programs is limited. Guided by the alcohol myopia model (Josephs & Steele, 1990) and escape theory of suicide (Baumeister, 1990), this cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and severity of suicidal ideation and whether alcohol problems strengthen the relationship between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Surveys were administered to 470 men and women court-mandated to attend batterer intervention programs. Results indicated that 33% of the sample experienced suicidal ideation (15% active ideation) during the 2 weeks prior to batterer intervention program entry. Moderation analyses indicated that as alcohol problems increased, the relationship between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation strengthened. This work aids practitioners in assessing suicidal ideation in batterer intervention settings.

The Effectiveness of Intervention Programs for Perpetrators and Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Partner Abuse ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher I. Eckhardt ◽  
Christopher M. Murphy ◽  
Daniel J. Whitaker ◽  
Joel Sprunger ◽  
Rita Dykstra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Quasi Experimental

In this review, we provide a descriptive and detailed review of intervention programs for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators and survivor-victims. Given the extensive personal, interpersonal, and societal costs associated with IPV, it is essential that services being offered by the criminal justice, mental health, and medical communities have requisite empirical support to justify their implementation. The review involved a detailed summary of all studies published since 1990 using randomized or quasi-experimental designs that compared an active intervention program to a relevant comparison condition. These studies included 20 studies investigating the effectiveness of “traditional” forms of batterer intervention programs (BIPs) aimed at perpetrators of IPV, 10 studies that investigated the effectiveness of alternative formats of BIPs, 16 studies of brief intervention programs for IPV victim-survivors, and 15 studies of more extended intervention programs for IPV victim-survivors. Interventions for perpetrators showed equivocal results regarding their ability to lower the risk of IPV, and available studies had many methodological flaws. More recent investigations of novel programs with alternative content have shown promising results. Among interventions for victim-survivors of IPV, a range of therapeutic approaches have been shown to produce enhancements in emotional functioning, with the strongest support for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches in reducing negative symptomatic effects of IPV. Supportive advocacy in community settings has been shown to reduce the frequency of revictimization relative to no-treatment controls, although rates of revictimization remain alarmingly high in these studies. Brief interventions for victim-survivors have had more complex and less consistently positive effects. Several studies have found significant increases in safety behaviors, but enhanced use of community resources is often not found. It remains unclear whether brief safety interventions produce longer term reduction in IPV revictimization. Discussion summarizes the general state of knowledge on interventions for IPV perpetrators and victim-survivors and important areas for future research.

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