NCJ Number
149749
Date Published
1993
Length
123 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology, findings, and recommendations of an evaluation of Canada's Turning Point Project (TP), an interagency program for men who have been abusive toward their partners.
Abstract
The principal goal of this group counseling program has been to eliminate physically and sexually abusive behavior, as well as to address emotional abuse and controlling behavior. The objectives of the evaluation were to determine the nature and scope of the treatment program, the impact of the program on client behavior, the extent of interagency involvement and cooperation, the number of referrals by the criminal justice system, support provided to the partners of clients, and the manner in which the project was administered. Most of the evaluation issues were analyzed through interviews with TP personnel, a review of project documentation, a file review, and a selected literature review. Program outcomes were assessed through an instrument, the Partner Abuse Index, which gauged abusive and controlling behavior. The Index also contained several items that dealt with problemsolving/reasoning skills. The Index was administered to both the men and their partners; it probed client behavior before, during, and after the intervention. Findings show that 69 percent of the men completed the program, and an overall improvement in client behavior was revealed by the Partner Abuse Index, when administered to both the men and the women. There were some statistically significant improvements in problemsolving, physical abuse, verbal/emotional abuse, and the effects of abuse. The evaluation recommends that TP should seek and receive continued and enhanced financial support. The format and core content of the treatment program should be maintained, with the addition of client followups if resources permit. 14 tables and a 12-item bibliography