A 20 p. summary may be found at the following location: http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/21248/20010922/law.gov.au/ncp/publications/pdf/no5_summary.pdf.
NCP Report No. 5
Little is known in Australia about the extent and effectiveness of counselling and anti-violence programmes for the perpetrators of domestic violence. This reports on a major research project which reviewed Australian and overseas literature about domestic violence perpetrator programmes and closely analysed programmes throughout Australia. Identifies factors associated with effective programmes. Addresses the controversial issue of measuring the success of perpetrator programmes and notes that recent research emphasises outcomes for women and children being measured not only in terms of abuse being experienced but also levels of fear, quality of life and experiences and use of police, courts and other domestic violence services. Found that providers of perpetrator programmes agree that effective group programmes are based on a feminist analysis of power and gender; incorporate externally monitored standards of delivery and refer to the experiences of victims. Provides comprehensive recommendations for the development and operation of perpetrator counselling programmes.