Evaluation of Gender Differences in the Implementation and Impact of a Comprehensive Approach to Domestic Violence

• NCJ Number: 217013
• Journal: Violence Against Women Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2007 Pages: 46-69
• Author(s): Lisa R. Muftic; Jeffrey A. Bouffard
• Date Published: January 2007
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined whether a comprehensive, community-based approach to domestic violence was effective in reducing reoffending rates among male and female offenders.

Abstract

The study found that neither women nor men arrestees in domestic violence cases reduced their offending under a comprehensive, community-based approach to domestic violence. The failure of this approach to produce any reductions in reoffending may be due to the inappropriate targeting of interventions for both male and female offenders. Women who were arrested with their partners in a domestic violence incident were more likely to have used violence in self-defense against the partner's attack, which means they should be treated as victims rather than offenders. They need intervention services related to advocacy and empowerment designed to help them avoid future partner violence. Male offenders, on the other hand, were usually the initiators of violence and required a comprehensive intervention that combined criminal justice sanctioning (arrest, prosecution, and sentencing) with court-mandated treatment. Cognitive-behavioral treatment methods combined with post-program monitoring are most likely to be effective in reducing reoffending. The findings also suggest that police should revise their policy of dual arrests of both men and women at the scene by arresting only the person whom they determine to have initiated the violence. A coordinated community response to domestic violence usually involves preferred or mandatory arrest, aggressive prosecution of offenders, advocacy services for victims, and treatment services. The current study examined such an approach to domestic violence in a small urban community in North Dakota. The study sample included 201 offenders (131 males and 70 females) who were ordered by the court to have an assessment evaluation. Data were collected on variables that pertained to offender demographics, the offense, prosecution/sentencing, case processing, and reoffending. Data were collected January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2003. 4 tables, 5 notes, and 38 references