NCJ Number
187236
Journal
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2001 Pages: 79-88
Editor(s)
Jon R. Conte
Date Published
January 2001
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Although most previous evaluations of batterer programs have been quasi-experimental designs or evaluations with no comparison group, two recent experimental evaluations attempted more rigorous science and produced little or no evidence of program effect for conventional batterer counseling compared to a control group.
Abstract
The first batterer program evaluation was conducted by Victim Services of New York City beginning in late 1995. The second batterer program evaluation was conducted in Broward County, Florida in 1997. As with many such evaluations, difficulties were encountered in implementing the random assignment of subjects and in reliance on an intention-to-treat approach amid substantial program dropout rates. In addition, response rates to the follow-up were relatively low, leaving one study to use probation records rather than victim reports for the outcome. The author believes the experimental evaluations should be viewed with caution due to methodological limitations of their own and indicates other studies have shown the influence of various contextual factors on program outcome. He concludes alternative analytical methods and research designs are available to address some of the problems associated with the experimental evaluation of batterer programs. 31 references