Determining Batterer Intervention Program Treatment Intensities: An Illustration Using the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment

To incorporate evidence-based practices into batterer intervention programs (BIPs), some intimate partner violence (IPV) researchers have begun to explore the integration of the principles of effective intervention (PEI) into BIPs. The PEI risk principle states that programs should assess offenders' risk for recidivism, and then match offenders' risk levels to the intensity of treatment and other interventions. Therefore, this study demonstrates how BIPs can use the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) to guide treatment intensity decisions for IPV offenders. Using data from men with criminal charges for IPV incidents in the original ODARA construction and validation research (N = 970), we illustrate how low, medium, and high categories can be created and used to inform BIP treatment intensity decisions (as outlined by the risk principle). Results indicate the ODARA can be used to inform a three-tiered categorical system for BIPs, in accordance with the risk principle of the PEI. Study results provide an avenue for BIP service providers to consider when determining treatment intensity for its IPV offenders. Suggestions for future research are also provided.

Download Full-text

Male Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators’ Perceptions of the Positives and Negatives of Peer Interactions in Group Batterer Intervention Programs

Violence Against Women ◽

10.1177/1077801218824053 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (15) ◽

pp. 1878-1900 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Penelope K. Morrison ◽

Donna George ◽

Patricia A. Cluss ◽

Elizabeth Miller ◽

Lynn Hawker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Group Process ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Peer Interactions ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Future Research ◽

Batterer Intervention ◽

Group Context ◽

Group Members

Seventy-six adult male perpetrators of intimate partner violence enrolled in a batterer intervention program (BIP) were interviewed on their perspectives of the intra-BIP group peer interactions. A majority of participants endorsed positives aspects of working with peers in the group context. Only one negative aspect arose, namely, other group members who disrupted the BIP process in some way. More importantly, a minority of participants expressed indifference toward the group process. This study has implications for training of BIP facilitators and for future research on BIPs that helps to tailor the approaches these groups use to maximize client engagement.

Download Full-text

Dynamic Appraisal of Intimate Partner Violence Risk and Need: Results From an Outpatient Treatment Program

Criminal Justice and Behavior ◽

10.1177/0093854820980498 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 009385482098049

Author(s):

Chantal Schafers ◽

Mark E. Olver ◽

J. Stephen Wormith

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Convergent Validity ◽

Dynamic Properties ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Service Planning ◽

Future Research ◽

Management Service ◽

Domestic Assault

This study examined the psychometric, predictive, and dynamic properties of intimate partner violence (IPV) risk. The sample consisted of 88 men attending an outpatient IPV correctional program. The Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) was rated at pretreatment using participant files. The Spousal Assault Risk Assessment–Version 3 (SARA-V3) was rated at pre- and posttreatment using collateral information (e.g., facilitator ratings, files) and participant questionnaires. Recidivism data were obtained from a court database with an average follow-up of 15 months. The SARA-V3 and ODARA demonstrated strong convergent validity and predicted violent and general recidivism with moderate to high accuracy; SARA-V3 posttreatment ratings incremented the ODARA in the prediction of recidivism, yet not vice versa. Noncompleters were higher risk and had higher recidivism rates. Changes on the SARA-V3’s Perpetrator Risk Factors domain were significantly associated with decreased recidivism in bivariate analyses and some change associations remained significant with stringent controls for risk. Implications for risk assessment/management, service planning, and future research are discussed.

Download Full-text

Predictive Properties of the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) in a Northern Canadian Prairie Sample

Criminal Justice and Behavior ◽

10.1177/00938548211033631 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 009385482110336

Author(s):

Jennifer hegel ◽

Karen D. Pelletier ◽

Mark E. Olver

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Predictive Accuracy ◽

Geographic Region ◽

Criminal Records ◽

Canadian Prairie ◽

Domestic Assault ◽

Royal Canadian Mounted Police ◽

Stratified Sample ◽

Police Records

This study examined the predictive properties of the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) in a large Canadian, predominantly Indigenous, sample from a geographic region with the highest rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the country. A random stratified sample of 300 men (92.7% Indigenous) court adjudicated for an IPV offense was drawn from six Northern Saskatchewan Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment regions. The ODARA was rated from police records and recidivism data were obtained via official criminal records over a mean 4.7-year follow-up. ODARA scores had small to moderate predictive accuracy (AUC/C = .58–.67) for IPV and other recidivism outcomes in the aggregate sample and Indigenous subsample. E/O index analyses demonstrated that the ODARA Ontario norms overpredicted IPV recidivism at high scores but underpredicted it at lower mid-range scores. Implications for use of the ODARA to assist frontline police personnel in IPV risk assessment and management are discussed.

Download Full-text

“Isn’t There Any Other Way than Calling the Cops?”: How Differences in Initiation of Police Intervention Influence Survivor Safety

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/08862605211064287 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 088626052110642

Author(s):

Nkiru Nnawulezi ◽

Jasmine Engleton ◽

Selima Jumarali ◽

Samantha Royson ◽

Christopher Murphy

Keyword(s):

Black Women ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Risk Level ◽

Complex Nature ◽

Police Intervention ◽

Alternative Interventions ◽

Violence Intervention ◽

Study Results

As formal crisis responders, police are trained in de-escalation tactics that are expected to mitigate intimate partner violence and promote survivor safety. However, the alignment between expected and actual practice of police intervention varies, especially when the survivor does not initiate the call, police treat the survivor poorly, or provide an undesirable arrest outcome. At best, unsuccessful interventions do not change survivors’ risk level, and at worse, elevate their risk of experiencing harm. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore survivors’ perspectives on the process of police intervention, specifically how variations in initiation, quality of engagement, and arrest influence survivors’ safety. Twenty-four women whose partners were in a relationship violence intervention program were recruited to participate in the study. Results showed that many survivors described a range of ongoing, strategic violence perpetrated by their partners that required intervention; yet the complex nature of the violence often extended beyond police capacity. Either survivors called the police, or they were initiated externally by neighbors or strangers; some survivors had dual initiations. Whether survivors reported that police used safety practices during the intervention was related to who initiated the police. Arrests of abusive partners were inconsistent, and they varied based on number of previous calls to the police and visible signs of injury. Survivors of color, specifically Black women, self-initiated at higher rates, experienced fewer safety strategies used by police, and had fewer arrests. No matter the outcomes of police intervention, survivors actively engaged in strategies outside of formal systems to protect themselves and their families. Study results imply that police intervention may be ill-suited to support survivors’ safety goals and highlight a need for alternative interventions focused on de-escalation and prevention.

Download Full-text

Batterer Intervention Programs

Criminology ◽

10.1093/obo/9780195396607-0275 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

Motivations for Intimate Partner Violence in Men and Women Arrested for Domestic Violence and Court Referred to Batterer Intervention Programs

Partner Abuse ◽

10.1891/1946-6560.5.4.359 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 359-374 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

JoAnna Elmquist ◽

John Hamel ◽

Ryan C. Shorey ◽

Lindsay Labrecque ◽

Andrew Ninnemann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Domestic Violence ◽

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Negative Emotions ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Intervention Programs ◽

Future Research ◽

Batterer Intervention ◽

Men And Women ◽

Batterer Intervention Programs

Research has attempted to elucidate men and women’s proximal motivations for perpetrating intimate partner violence (IPV). However, previous research has yet to clarify and resolve contention regarding whether motives for IPV are gender-neutral or gender-specific. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare motives for physical IPV perpetration among a sample of men (n = 90) and women (n = 87) arrested for domestic violence and court referred to batterer intervention programs. Results demonstrated that the most frequently endorsed motives for IPV by both men and women were self-defense, expression of negative emotions, and communication difficulties. With the exception of expression of negative emotions and retaliation, with women endorsing these motives more often than men, there were no significant differences between men and women’s self-reported reasons for perpetrating physical aggression. The implications of these findings for future research and intervention programs are discussed.

Download Full-text

Exploring Factors That Contribute to Positive Change in a Diverse, Group-Based Male Batterer Intervention Program

Journal of Interpersonal Violence ◽

10.1177/0886260515588535 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 32 (8) ◽

pp. 1267-1290 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Kendal Holtrop ◽

Jenna C. Scott ◽

J. Rubén Parra-Cardona ◽

Shardé McNeil Smith ◽

Emily Schmittel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Partner Violence ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Positive Change ◽

Batterer Intervention ◽

Diverse Group ◽

Individual Interviews ◽

Group Context ◽

Group Members ◽

Group Diversity ◽

Ongoing Support

Although batterer intervention programs (BIPs) are often mandated for perpetrators of intimate partner violence, the precursors and mechanisms of change operating within these programs remain unclear. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perceptions and experiences of participants in a diverse, group-based male BIP to better understand factors facilitating positive change. Data were gathered through individual interviews with 15 men and were analyzed using grounded theory. Findings suggest that change is taking place through a reciprocal process in which change occurring via the group context facilitates change within participants and vice versa. The specific benefits of the group context and value of group diversity were emphasized. Factors supporting this change process include the role of group facilitators and providing group members with access to ongoing support. These results are useful for informing the continued implementation and adaptation of BIPs with the goal of reducing and ultimately terminating abusive behaviors.

Download Full-text

In Their Own Words: Attributed Causes of Own Intimate Partner Violence

Partner Abuse ◽

10.1891/1946-6560.10.1.3 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 3-37 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Tatjana Raison ◽

Donald Dutton

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Batterer Intervention ◽

College Community ◽

Self Defense ◽

Gender Paradigm ◽

Batterer Intervention Program

A review of 20 articles (with a collective N of 16,463) was conducted assessing reasons given by perpetrators for their commission of intimate partner violence (IPV). College, community, and batterer intervention program samples were used. Five studies used Follingstad's (1991) Motivation and Effects Questionnaire to assess reported motivations. This had an advantage in standardizing the definitions of motives, which varied widely in other studies. Perpetrators of IPV, whether male or female, do not describe their motives in gender-political terms. Instead, they describe them in psychological terms, such as anger, frustration, or gaining attention. The most frequently endorsed reasons were anger (68% by women, 47% by men) and gaining attention (53% by women, 55% by men). Self-defense was the least endorsed (7th of seven motives). The implications of this finding for the gender paradigm are discussed.

Download Full-text

The Double Standard of Accountability: A Call for Treatment Integrity of IPV Offender Programs

Partner Abuse ◽

10.1891/pa-d-20-00005 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. PA-D-20-00005

Keyword(s):

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Treatment Integrity ◽

Service Providers ◽

Code Of Ethics ◽

The United States ◽

Intervention Programs ◽

Batterer Intervention ◽

Ethical Practice ◽

Batterer Intervention Programs

In this study, we explain the importance of treatment integrity by listing and exploring state standards for service providers of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrator programs across the United States. The overall expectations of batterer intervention programs (BIPs) will be discussed as we compare and contrast the Duluth Model with evidence-based practice. Expectations of treatment efficacy will be explored from the stance of the professional code of ethics and ethical practice. The context for this article is inspired by the following issues: (a) mental health professionals’ ethical obligations to clients and to standards of practice; (b) the value of treatment integrity; (c) expectations regarding program efficacy; (d) the nature of court-mandated batterer intervention programs. Potential ethical concerns that are explored include: failure to consider and utilize research evidence, failure to ensure treatment integrity, inadequate assessment/diagnosis, failure to connect assessment to treatment, using a diagnosis on a client not identified in the DSM–V, giving a diagnosis without proper credentials or evaluation of the client, and imploring a homogeneous approach to a complex behavior.

Download Full-text

A Pilot Evaluation of the STOP Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Program

Partner Abuse ◽

10.1891/pa-2020-0032 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 158-178

Author(s):

Jennifer S. Wong ◽

Jessica Bouchard

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Future Research ◽

Behavioral Strategies ◽

Community Based ◽

Violence Intervention ◽

Abusive Behavior ◽

Survey Analyses

This pilot study examines the impacts of a 12-week community-based intimate partner violence intervention program delivered in British Columbia, Canada. The Stop Taking it Out on your Partner (STOP) program targets males who have engaged in abusive behaviors toward their intimate partners; most are voluntary participants. The STOP program was evaluated in three sites across the province (once program per cycle), with a total of 39 enrollees. Thirty-seven men completed the pretest survey; analyses focus on the 22 participants who completed pretest and posttest questions regarding knowledge and skills learned, and the 15 participants who completed the Abusive Behavior Inventory (Shepard & Campbell, 1992) regarding psychologically and physically abusive behaviors. Results suggest that participation in STOP contributed to significant decreases in both physical and psychological abuse. Further, program participants increased in their use of cognitive behavioral strategies to avoid violence. Implications for intimate partner violence intervention and future research are discussed.

Download Full-text