Toward Evidence-Based Practice with Domestic Violence Perpetrators

• NCJ Number: 224021
• Journal: Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: 2008 Pages: 111-130
• Author(s): Kenneth Corvo; Donald Dutton; Wan-Yi Chen
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This literature review examined the policy and practice of interventions with male perpetrators of domestic violence in the context of the widely accepted principles of evidence-based practice.

Abstract

The review found that within the existing policy framework of mandated interventions for male perpetrators of domestic violence, there is a lack of political support for a serious effort to reframe treatment for such offenders so that implementing an evidence-based approach is feasible. Although the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice has funded a number of batterer intervention program evaluations, the findings are prevented from being implemented by jurisdictional restrictions against using evaluation findings and other pertinent data in developing program innovations. Criminal justice agencies formulate and implement policies that regulate what structure, duration, and form of intervention is required as a condition of probation for persons found guilty of domestic assault, thereby determining which form of intervention is deemed acceptable by the courts. Consequently, program funding is only available for those programs that conform to these policies. The current best evidence does not support investing substantial public funds in the continuation or mandating of the standard domestic violence program model. This literature review suggests that a thorough, individualized assessment and treatment approach holds promise for more effective program outcomes for domestic violence offenders. Within the existing context of same-sex, group, court-mandated therapy, there are several ways to increase treatment effectiveness. Many rely on established cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques used for other problem areas. Research to date has identified the emotions, perceptions, and situational factors that combine to produce and maintain abusive behavior. Issues that must be addressed in individual assessment include a patriarchal sociocultural perspective, intergenerational transmission of intimate-partner violence, early trauma, borderline personality, attachment disorder, and drug and alcohol abuse. 89 references