A randomized clinical trial of virtually-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy and the Duluth Model for men court-mandated to a domestic violence program

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of virtually-delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) compared to the Duluth Model in treating men court-mandated to a domestic violence program. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the research involved 548 male participants convicted of assault against a female partner. Participants were randomly assigned to complete 24 virtual sessions of either the ACT program or the Duluth Model Men's Nonviolence Classes. <br><br> Outcomes measured included criminal charges—domestic violence, other violent, and non-violent—incurred within one year post-program completion or dropout. The study found no significant differences in recidivism rates between the two groups; however, the ACT group exhibited fewer recidivists and charges overall. Additionally, when comparing virtual to in-person program delivery, virtual participants had fewer non-violent charges and total charges, suggesting that virtual interventions may be as effective as traditional in-person formats in reducing recidivism among court-mandated men.