Treatment effectiveness for male intimate partner violence perpetrators depending on problematic alcohol use

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of an individual treatment program for male intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators, focusing on the role of problematic alcohol use (PAU) in treatment outcomes. Using a sample of 641 male IPV perpetrators who completed a gender violence treatment program in Spain, the study assesses whether the presence of PAU influences treatment success. Findings indicate that while PAU is associated with various risk factors, including increased psychopathology and childhood exposure to violence, it does not significantly affect treatment outcomes. The research highlights the complexity of the IPV-alcohol relationship and underscores the need for tailored interventions that address both individual and contextual risk factors.