Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Evaluating batterer counseling programs: a difficult task showing some effects and implications
Other Titles:	Aggression and violent behavior
Authors:	Gondolf, Edward W
Keywords:	Prevention;Perpetrators;Counselling
Year:	2004
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Citation:	9, 2004
Notes:	This article describes summaries and meta-analyses of evaluations of more than 40 batterer programmes in the US, which suggested little or no programme effect on preventing re-assaults. It refers to methodological issues such as programme definitions, measurement of outcomes, research designs, meta-analyses and experimental limitations. It discusses a longitudinal 4-year follow-up evaluation in 4 US cities (multisite evaluation), which indicates a moderate programme effect. It found a decline in re-assault but about 20% continuously re-assaulted. Problems in implementing follow-ups are mentioned, including the low response rates of female partners and the low programme completion rates. The meta-analyses question the excessive claims of success and found that there is no substantial evidence that most programmes are highly effective. The multisite evaluation found that a quarter of the men (about half of those who re-assaulted during the 4-year follow-up), re-assaulted their partners. Most began their re-assaults shortly after programme intake. Repeat re-assaulters did not seem distinct from the ‘batterer type’. The factor which distinguished them was the lack of response to them. Their partners were less likely to take action. The article suggests that more extensive case management and victim contact might reveal repeated re-assaults, and decisive intervention for the initial reassault could also reduce repeated re-assaults. It concludes that some batterer programmes appear to contribute to the reduction of re-assault but that this seems to be related to the intervention system of which the programme is part.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/14593
ISSN:	1359-1789
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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