Abstract
Relationship Violence Intervention Programs (RVIPs), also commonly known as Batterer Intervention Programs, are a key element of the coordinated community response to intimate partner violence (IPV). The efficacy of these programs is crucially important in light of their widespread availability, the immense social and public health consequences of IPV, the large number of court-involved IPV offenders, and the limitations of other intervention options (e.g., incarceration). Quantitative research reviews reveal a small positive impact of RVIPs on partner violence recidivism – statistically significant in some, but not all, analyses. Problems in research design and implementation limit these conclusions, and many additional factors may influence recidivism risk, including arrest, prosecution, protection orders, probation monitoring, treatment for co-occurring substance use or mental health problems, services for victims, and relationship dissolution. Most comparative studies have found no significant differences in efficacy among distinct RVIP approaches, but some encouraging results have emerged for motivational enhancement therapies, adjunctive treatment for substance use problems, and new cognitive behavioral interventions, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and trauma-informed treatment for military veterans. Available evidence suggests that the efficacy of RVIPs may be improved through strategies that enhance motivation to change, facilitate prosocial group interactions, and improve emotion regulation and relationship skills. In addition, greater application of the principles of effective intervention derived from research on criminal and forensic rehabilitation, including efforts to assess and reduce individual offenders’ specific risk factors and needs, may reduce both IPV recidivism and other criminal offenses.
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Murphy, C.M., Richards, T.N. (2022). The Efficacy of Psychosocial Interventions for Partner Violent Individuals. In: Geffner, R., White, J.W., Hamberger, L.K., Rosenbaum, A., Vaughan-Eden, V., Vieth, V.I. (eds) Handbook of Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Across the Lifespan. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-89999-2_135
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