RESUMEN

The aim of the present study was to identify the main risk factors and treatment needs of batterer intervention program (BIP) participants with alcohol and drug abuse problems (ADAPs), beyond issues strictly related to their substance abuse, taking into account four sets of variables: sociodemographic (i.e., age, educational level, income, employment, and immigrant status); personality disorders and psychological adjustment (i.e., clinical symptomatology, personality disorders, anger, impulsivity, and self-esteem); social-relational variables (i.e., community support, intimate support, stressful life events, and perceived social rejection); and violence-related variables (i.e., family violence exposure, perceived severity of intimate partner violence against women [IPVAW], ambivalent sexism, risk of future violence, physical and psychological intimate partner violence, motivation to change, and stage of change). The study was based on a sample of 1,039 male IPVAW offenders court-mandated to a community-based BIP. Results from comparisons between BIP participants with and without ADAPs were interpreted in terms of effect sizes to highlight the most salient differences. Differences with moderate effect sizes were found for clinical symptomatology, anger trait, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, stressful life events, motivation to change and stage of change. Differences with large effect sizes were found for impulsivity, antisocial disorder, borderline disorder, and aggressive disorder. Several intervention strategies are proposed to guide and adjust interventions to risk factors and treatment needs of BIP participants with ADAPs. (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los principales factores de riesgo y necesidades de tratamiento de los participantes en un programa de intervención con maltratadores (BIP) con problemas de abuso de alcohol y/o drogas (ADAP), más allá de sus problemas de abuso de substancias, teniendo en cuenta cuatro conjuntos de variables: sociodemográficas (i.e., edad, nivel educativo, ingresos, empleo y estatus de inmigrante), trastornos de personalidad y ajuste psicológico (i.e., sintomatología clínica, trastornos de personalidad, ira, impulsividad y autoestima), variables socio-relacionales (i.e., apoyo comunitario, apoyo íntimo, eventos vitales estresantes y rechazo social percibido) y variables relacionadas con la violencia (i.e., exposición a violencia familiar, gravedad percibida de la violencia contra la mujer en las relaciones de pareja, sexismo ambivalente, riesgo de violencia futura, violencia de pareja física y psicológica, motivación al cambio y estadio de cambio). El estudio se basó en una muestra de 1,039 hombres condenados por violencia de género y remitidos a un programa de intervención para maltratadores como medida penal alternativa. Los resultados de las comparaciones entre los participantes con y sin ADAP se interpretaron en función de los tamaños del efecto para destacar las diferencias más salientes. Se encontraron diferencias con tamaños del efecto moderados para sintomatología clínica, rasgo de ira, trastorno de ansiedad, sucesos vitales estresantes, motivación para el cambio y estadio de cambio. Se encontraron diferencias con tamaños del efecto grandes para impulsividad, trastorno antisocial, de personalidad límite y de agresividad. Se proponen diversas estrategias de intervención para guiar y ajustar las intervenciones a los factores de riesgo y necesidades de tratamiento de los participantes de los programas de intervención para maltratadores con ADAP. (AU)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Batterer intervention programs (BIPs) provide treatment options for domestic violence offenders across the United States with varying degrees of standardization of programs required by law. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current State Standards for Batterer Intervention Programs (SSBIPs) in the United States. The primary research question was to discern the minimum requirements and mandates for BIPs of the 50 states. Results from the content analysis of the 44 states with SSBIPs indicated that there were some commonalities (e.g., approach to offender treatment) among the standards; however, there persisted varied minimum standards within SSBIPs for a majority of elements within BIPs (e.g., intake, screening, and assessment procedures; curriculum; training and educational requirements for BIPs providers and supervisors; and evaluation of the BIP programs). Recommendations and implications are discussed.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Research has established a relation between ecological contexts and intimate partner violence (IPV), but little is known about how environmental factors affect childhood development over time and culminate in IPV perpetration from the perspective of men who perpetrated IPV. METHODS: Using grounded theory, this study employed focus groups with 32 predominately low-income, African American men in batterer intervention programs to explore factors and processes through which families, neighborhoods, and policy influence men's development, contributing to their use of IPV. Using an inductive approach, the researchers cycled between data collection and analysis resulting in a parsimonious conceptual model validated by participants. RESULTS: Three core categories emerged from focused and axial coding: adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma, structural forces, and systemic forces. Theoretical coding illuminated how these core categories relate to each other, producing a collective narrative illustrating how environmental contexts contributed to men's development. Study participants described childhood exposure to adversity and trauma within the home that diminished essential foundations of trust and safety. Positive (e.g., Old Heads, matriarchs) and negative (e.g., gangs, community violence) structural neighborhood forces influenced the social learning of violence and exposed participants to re-traumatization outside the home during their adolescence. Finally, key macro forces such as mass incarceration exacerbated violence and trauma exposure through the proliferation of high-risk neighborhoods, predisposing men toward IPV as young adults. CONCLUSIONS: Findings reinforce the notion that environmental stress not buffered by protective adults profoundly affects development and behavior. From the perspective of male perpetrators, our results help identify those stressors and how they might contribute to male-to-female IPV.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

There is general consensus that alcohol abuse is a risk factor to be considered in batterer intervention programs. Intimate partner violence perpetrators with alcohol abuse problems are more likely to dropout of batterer intervention programs. However, there is little research on intimate partner violence perpetrators with alcohol abuse problems completing batterer intervention programs. In this study, we analyze drop-out rates among perpetrators with alcohol abuse problems and explore whether perpetrators with alcohol abuse problems completing a batterer intervention program differ from those who do not have alcohol abuse problems in a number of outcomes. The sample was 286 males convicted for intimate partner violence against women, attending a community-based batterer intervention program. Final (i.e., recidivism) and proximal (i.e., risk of recidivism, responsibility attributions, attitudes toward violence, sexism, psychological adjustment, and social integration) intervention outcomes were analyzed. Chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and one-way ANOVA were conducted. Results confirmed higher dropout rates among perpetrators with alcohol abuse problems. Results also showed a reduction in alcohol abuse among perpetrators with alcohol abuse problems completing the batterer intervention program. Finally, results showed that, regardless of alcohol abuse problems, perpetrators who completed the batterer intervention program showed improvements in all intervention outcomes analyzed. Perpetrators both with and without alcohol abuse problems can show positive changes after completing an intervention program and, in this regard, the present study highlights the need to design more effective adherence strategies for intimate partner violence perpetrators, especially for those with alcohol abuse problems.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of different batterer intervention programs in reducing violence for male IPV perpetrators. The Cochrane Handbook for Systemic Reviews of Interventions guidelines for the process of conducting systematic reviews and meta-analysis were followed. Pooled together, overall these various intervention programs are effective in reducing violence for male perpetrators of IPV comparing post to pre-intervention [(pooled estimate = -0.85; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (-1.02 to -0.69)]. Exploratory subgroup analysis revealed that incorporating substance abuse or trauma components to the interventions yielded better results (substance abuse: CI = -3.20 to -1.08 and trauma: CI = -2.63 to -0.30) as compared to programs that did not have these components. Gender-role based batterer intervention programs yielded mixed results. Analysis of the three controlled studies with 223 participants comparing batterer programs to a minimal control group showed mixed effects. In conclusion, treatment strategies that are addressing highly comorbid issues such as substance abuse and trauma issues may work more effectively in preventing violence.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Batterer intervention programs' (BIPs) curriculum have been criticized for their one-size-fits-all approach to rehabilitation with recent research suggesting specialized and client-centric approaches to batterer intervention may be more effective than traditional programming. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been examined as a risk factor for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and numerous studies suggest a relationship between ACEs and low mental health treatment engagement. However, absent from the conversation is how ACEs may influence BIP treatment engagement and more specifically how ACEs influence BIP program attendance and attrition. The current study used administrative data from a sample of 268 men enrolled in a county-operated BIP to explore this question. BIP participants who experienced any ACEs, only household dysfunction ACEs, and/or both household dysfunction ACEs and child abuse/neglect ACEs had decreased odds of BIP attrition compared to participants with no ACEs. These findings have practical implications regarding screening, service delivery, and BIP curricula and highlight additional research needed on this topic.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

There are ongoing debates in the scientific community and in practice settings about how intimate partner violence (IPV) should be defined and understood and about how various interventions must be carried out. If these debates are to bear fruit, however, we must first gain a comprehensive understanding of each stakeholder's viewpoints on IPV and its solutions. This article seeks to contribute to this goal by summarizing empirical studies investigating how practitioners who work with IPV perpetrators understand the problem and its solutions. Based on an integrative review of the literature, it focuses on how practitioners define IPV and its causes, how they perceive the perpetrators and victims, and on the solutions they put forward in order to work against this social problem. The limitations of our current knowledge are outlined as well as the implications of this review for IPV debates.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Both specialized domestic violence (DV) courts and batterer intervention programs were developed to more adequately address intimate partner abuse and recidivism; however, little research has studied them concurrently. The current research examined clinical outcomes and police-reported recidivism in 382 men mandated to attend the Calgary Counselling Centre's Responsible Choices for Men's (RCM) groups between 1998 and 2009, before and after a specialized DV court was established in 2001. The study examines associations between categorical demographic and criminal justice variables, most of which were not correlated with post-group recidivism. Before the specialized court was implemented, 45 RCM members reported significantly more clinical issues at pretest than the 282 RCM members after court implementation (all scores adjusted by social desirability), although the effect sizes were negligible. Regarding group outcomes, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem (adjusted for social desirability) significantly improved on average for all RCM members irrespective of court implementation. Before the specialized DV court was developed, recidivism occurred after RCM program completion for a large proportion of men (41.2%), compared with only 8.2% after court implementation, a significant difference with a moderate effect size. The recidivism results are interpreted in the context of the significant justice and community collaborations entailed in creating the specialized DV court.

RESUMEN

The working alliance is a key element to increase intimate partner violence (IPV) offenders' motivation, adherence to treatment, and active participation in batterer intervention programs (BIPs). The objective of the present study is to assess the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Working Alliance Inventory-Observer Short Version (WAI-O-S) with a sample of IPV offenders. The sample was 140 men convicted for IPV and court-mandated to a community-based BIP. Inter-rater agreement and reliability were evaluated by computing the intraclass correlation coefficient. To test the latent structure a Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis approach was used. To test criterion-related validity, the WAI-O-S factorial scores were correlated to protherapeutic behavior, stage of change and motivation to change. The WAI-O-S showed an adequate reliability. Results from Bayesian confirmatory factor analyses showed two first-order factors (Bond and Agreement), and a second-order factor (General working alliance) explaining the relationship between the first-order factors. Results also support the validity of this instrument. The availability of reliable and valid observational measure of the working alliance provides a useful tool to overcome self-report measurement limitations such as social desirability, deception, and denial among IPV offenders.

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: La alianza terapéutica es clave para incrementar la motivación, adherencia al tratamiento y participación en los programas de intervención con maltratadores. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar las propiedades psicométricas y estructura factorial del Working Alliance Inventory-Observer Short Version (WAI-O-S) con una muestra de hombres maltratadores. MÉTODO: Se utilizó una muestra de 140 hombres condenados por violencia de género y derivados a un programa de intervención con maltratadores. El acuerdo inter-jueces y la fiabilidad se evaluaron mediante el coeficiente de correlación intraclase. La estructura latente se obtuvo con un análisis factorial confirmatorio Bayesiano. Las puntuaciones del WAI-O-S se correlacionaron con la conducta proterapéutica, estadio y motivación para el cambio para analizar la validez. RESULTADOS: El WAI-O-S mostró una fiabilidad adecuada. El análisis factorial confirmatorio dio lugar a dos factores de primer orden (Vínculo y Acuerdo), y un factor de segundo orden (Alianza terapéutica general). Los resultados obtenidos también avalan la validez del instrumento. CONCLUSIONES: Una medida observacional fiable y válida de la alianza terapéutica, proporciona una herramienta útil para superar las limitaciones de las medidas basadas en auto-informes que se utilizan con población de hombres maltratadores, tales como la deseabilidad social, la negación y el engaño.

RESUMEN

This article critically explores accounts of how men attending domestic violence perpetrator programs (DVPP) used the "time out" strategy. Findings are drawn from 71 semi-structured interviews with 44 men attending DVPPs and 27 female partners or ex-partners of men in DVPPs. We describe three ways in which the technique was used: first, as intended, to interrupt potential physical violence; second, through the effective adaption of the time-out rules by victim-survivors; and finally, misappropriation by some men to continue and extend their controlling behaviors. Policy and practice lessons are drawn from the findings through connecting broader and deeper measurements of what success means when working with domestic violence perpetrators to the ways in which the time-out technique was used.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The current study investigated the influence of anger problems on partner violent men's long-term response to treatment, as indicated by criminal recidivism during an 8-year period after treatment initiation. Participants were 132 men who presented for treatment services at a community-based domestic violence agency. Results indicated that individuals with extensive anger problems had more charges for general violence (GV) offenses and more ongoing problems with protection orders than did those with Normal Anger (NA) profiles. Examinations of specific anger scales indicated that low Anger Control (LAC) and high Anger Expression predict GV recidivism. These findings indicate that a standard cognitive-behavioral treatment program may not adequately reduce the recidivism risk of partner violent men with pronounced anger problems, stress the importance of further research to understand the role of anger problems in partner violence treatment, and highlight the need to develop and evaluate new intervention approaches for partner violent men with serious anger dysregulation.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

En este estudio, se analizan las tasas de abandono del tratamiento en hombres inmigrantes latinoamericanos con problemas de consumo de alcohol (PCA) derivados a programas de intervención con maltratadores, y se explora si aquellos que consiguen finalizar la intervención se diferencian de los que no tienen PCA en variables resultado de la intervención. La muestra la componen 107 hombres latinoamericanos condenados por violencia contra la mujer. Al contrario de lo esperado, no se confirman mayores tasas de abandono entre los participantes con PCA. Independientemente de tener o no PCA, los participantes que finalizaron el programa mostraron mejoría en todas las variables objetivo de la intervención analizadas, incluida la reducción del consumo de alcohol entre aquellos participantes con PCA.

This study analyzes dropout rates among Latin-American immigrants with alcohol abuse problems (AAP) participating in a batterer intervention program, and whether those perpetrators who finalize the intervention benefit the same as those participants without AAP in a number of program outcomes. The sample was 107 Latin-American immigrants convicted for intimate partner violence perpetration. Contrary to what was expected, there were not higher dropout rates among participants with AAP. Participants who finalized the intervention program, however, showed improvements in all outcomes variables explored regardless of whether they had AAP, including a reduction of alcohol abuse among participants with AAP.

RESUMEN

The majority of batterer intervention program (BIP) evaluations have indicated they are marginally effective in reducing domestic violence recidivism. Meanwhile, correctional programs used to treat a variety of offenders (e.g., substance users, violent offenders, and so forth) that adhere to the "principles of effective intervention" (PEI) have reported significant reductions in recidivism. This article introduces the PEI-the principles on which evidence-based practices in correctional rehabilitation are based-and identifies the degree to which they are currently integrated into BIPs. The case is made that batterer programs could be more effective if they incorporate the PEI. Recommendations for further integration of the principles into BIPs are also provided.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Batterer Intervention Programs have been critiqued for failing to incorporate treatment strategies that are supported by neurobiology research. This article reviews findings that have informed the treatment of disorders that are strongly represented among perpetrators of intimate violence, such as addiction, posttraumatic stress disorder, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. The article argues for an expanded perspective that recognizes the relationships among childhood trauma, emotional regulation impairment, and intimate partner violence. Recommendations and ways to draw on emerging knowledge to invigorate existing programs are provided.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

El principal objetivo de este estudio es analizar la relación entre la asunción de responsabilidad de hombres condenados por violencia doméstica contra la mujer, la autoestima, la personalidad narcisista y la personalidad antisocial. Los participantes en este estudio fueron 177 hombres que participaban en un programa de intervención con maltratadores en medio abierto al que acudían por orden judicial. Se realizaron tres MANCOVAS para comprobar si existían diferencias en atribución de responsabilidad (culpabilización de la víctima, defensa propia y autoatribución de culpa), y minimización de los hechos, en función de la presencia de rasgos de personalidad narcisista y antisocial, y de la autoestima. En todos los casos se controló por la variable deseabilidad social. Únicamente se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos de baja y alta autoestima en minimización. Los sujetos con baja autoestima tendían a minimizar en mayor medida los hechos por los que habían sido condenados. Se discuten los resultados relativos a la relación entre las dos variables de personalidad evaluadas y la atribución de responsabilidad y sus implicaciones para la intervención con maltratadores.

The main aim of this study was to analyze the relation between responsibility assumption among men convicted for domestic violence against women and self-esteem, narcissistic personality and antisocial personality. Participants in the study were 177 men participating in a court-ordered batterer intervention program in the community. Three MANCOVAS were performed to analyze differences in responsibility attributions (victim-blaming, self-defense, and self-attribution), and minimization as a function of narcissistic and antisocial personality traits presence, and levels of self-esteem. All analysis controlled for social desirability. Significant differences were found only between groups of low and high self-esteem in minimization. Subjects with low self-esteem showed higher levels of minimization of the violence for which they were convicted. These results implications of for batterers intervention programs are discussed.

RESUMEN

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious and prevalent problem throughout the United States. Currently, individuals arrested for domestic violence are often court mandated to batterer intervention programs (BIPs). However, little is known about the arrest histories of these individuals, especially women. The current study examined the arrest histories of men (n = 303) and women (n = 82) arrested for domestic violence and court-referred to BIPs. Results demonstrated that over 30% of the entire sample had been previously arrested for a non-violent offense, and over 25% of the participants had been previously arrested for a violent offense other than domestic violence. Moreover, men were arrested significantly more frequently for violence-related and non-violent offenses than their female counterparts. In addition, men were more likely than women to have consumed binge-levels of alcohol prior to the offense that led to their most recent arrest and court-referral to a BIP. Lastly, arrest history was positively associated with physical and psychological aggression perpetration against an intimate partner for men only, such that more previous arrests were associated with more frequent aggression. These results provide evidence that many men and women arrested for domestic violence have engaged in a number of diverse criminal acts during their lifetimes, suggesting that BIPs may need to address general criminal behavior.