Outcomes From a Duluth Model Batterer Intervention Program at Completion and Long Term Follow-Up

Abstract

This study examined changes in the beliefs and behaviors of 156 offenders who participated in a Duluth model batterer intervention program. Sixty-seven percent of the participants completed both baseline and post intervention assessments of verbal, emotional, and physical aggression. Archival follow-up data, acquired approximately 9 years after completion of the program, were obtained from public records and were used to compare recidivism among program completers and noncompleters. Program completion was not associated with decreased levels of recidivism, which was defined as any violent crime. The results revealed that over one third of the participants from this batterer intervention program eventually reoffended. This finding is consistent with most existing research in this area, and suggests the need for more effective and coordinated individual, group, and community-wide interventions as well as more randomized controlled trials. Batterers who completed the 24-week program, however, did report decreases in physical and verbal aggression at the postassessment period. Limitations of this local program evaluation project and implications for future batterer intervention research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• batterer intervention program
• Duluth model
• group treatment
• intimate partner violence

Notes

Note. Due to missing values, sample sizes do not total 156 and percentages may not total 100% for each demographic characteristic.

Note. Due to missing values, sample sizes do not total 156.

Note. Percentages for select frequency response categories are collapsed.

Note. Percentages for select frequency response categories are collapsed for display purposes.

Portions of the present study were presented at the annual meeting of the 2008 and 2009 Southeastern Psychological Association.