Domestic Violence Treatment Response and Recidivism: A Review and Implications for the Study of Family Violence

• NCJ Number: 215445
• Journal: Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 11 Issue: 5 Dated: September-October 2006 Pages: 425-440
• Author(s): Robert M. Sartin; David J. Hansen; Matthew T. Huss
• Date Published: September 2006
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper reviews the published research literature on the effectiveness of domestic violence treatment in reducing reoffending.

Abstract

Thus far, research studies have not shown differences in treatment effectiveness across treatment types; however, there is some evidence that certain individuals are more likely to benefit from treatment. Research indicates that domestic-violence perpetrators with higher levels of personality dysfunction are more likely to continue their attacks on partners after completing treatment. Research also indicates that different types of treatment will be more effective with subtypes of batterers. Working with domestic violence victims also has the potential to decrease domestic violence when it focuses on certain victim characteristics that tend to increase their risk for abuse. This does not imply that victims are responsible for their abuse, but rather recognizes that the problem behaviors of victims, such as alcohol and drug abuse, can create stress in the relationship and fuel abusive behaviors. Victim services can also provide women with the resources needed to leave the abusive relationship. Research has found that a high percentage of batterers reoffend or continue their psychological abuse even if they stop their physical abuse. This suggests the importance of followup after treatment. Despite the development of risk-assessment instruments, there are still significant limitations in the assessment of batterers. One pathway for additional research is to improve the methodology for measuring some of the attitudes that individuals hold, since current measures of attitudes have not consistently distinguished individuals who engage in domestic violence. There is also a need for more research on how various criminal justice procedures for dealing with domestic violence have impacted reoffending. Research should further explore what treatment methods work best with subtypes of batterers, which has implications for the development of assessment instruments. 59 references