Differentiating theoretical approaches to batterer intervention: A study of batterer intervention programs
Item
-
Title
-
Differentiating theoretical approaches to batterer intervention: A study of batterer intervention programs
-
Identifier
-
d_2009_2013:b22308cd0485:10351
-
identifier
-
10586
-
Creator
-
Hanson, Beatrice,
-
Contributor
-
Sarah-Jane Dodd
-
Date
-
2010
-
Language
-
English
-
Publisher
-
City University of New York.
-
Subject
-
Social work | Criminology | abuse | batterer programs | battering | domestic violence
-
Abstract
-
Developed more than 25 years ago, batterer programs have become the response of choice for many in the field of domestic violence, with the criminal justice system the highest user. However, researchers have found limited results in the ability of these programs to eliminate or reduce re-abuse. Some batterer programs have refocused on using batterer programs, not as rehabilitative, but as a resource for the courts, one of the consequences for men who batter. Other programs, however, have continued to look for the right types of intervention to positively impact the attitudes and behaviors of batterers. These different approaches have led to tensions among batterer programs. Research in the field has focused on the impact of programs on individual batterers and criminal justice system recidivism and compliance with court orders and not on individual programs themselves.;This study involves interviews with directors of nineteen batterer programs in New York State, representing a range of perspectives to better understand the different types of organizations operating these programs, the different interventions used and how they define success. This study tested an established framework used to differentiate programs, based on the focus of change on the individual batterer, the couple and society. The findings from this study support how the established framework differentiated programs based on the focus of change, but found that programs focused equally on changing the individual batterer and changing society, with far fewer focused on changing the couple. The study also found that most batterer programs accepted only men who were mandated through the criminal justice system, leaving fewer opportunities for self-referred batterers. The study also found that funding for batterer programs was declining in New York State and that the number of batterer programs seemed to be declining. The findings about the decline in funding coupled with existing literature questioning the efficacy of these programs called into question their continuation, especially for men who are mandated by the criminal justice system. The study found some promising new directions for batterer programming, especially for men who are not mandated.
-
Type
-
dissertation
-
Source
-
2009_2013.csv
-
degree
-
Ph.D.
-
Program
-
Social Welfare
