The current practices of intervention with batterers

Abstract

Background Since the 70s there was a proliferation of intervention programs for batterers; however the results remain controversial. Objectives This study aims to analyse the literature published between the years of 2000 and 2013 about the effectiveness of the intervention with batterers. Methods A review of papers about intervention with batterers published during this period (2000-2013) was conducted. Social sciences databases were checked. Papers about programs for a specific public or programs with a broad intervention focus, and with female and homosexual offenders were excluded. Results Thirty-six studies that described 37 intervention programs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In general, the analysed programs adopted a group format (70.3%) and a cognitive-behavioural (56.8%) or psychoeducational (18.9%) intervention model (32.4% assumed to adopt a Duluth model). Concerning the effectiveness, results showed success rates of 39.4%-97%, dropout rates of 10%-58% and recidivism rates of 0%-65.9%. Discussion The effectiveness of intervention with batterers remains controversial, which seems to be due to the different methodologies used in the studies. Despite the inconsistencies, programs for perpetrators are an important way to reduce intimate partner violence recidivism.