Assessing the Effect of Batterer Program Completion on Reassault: An Instrumental Variables Analysis

• NCJ Number: 193269
• Journal: Journal of Quantitative Criminology Volume: 18 Issue: 1 Dated: March 2002 Pages: 71-98
• Author(s): Alison Snow Jones; Edward W. Gondolf
• Date Published: March 2002
• Length: 28 pages
• Grant Number(s): R49/CCR310525-02
• Sponsoring Agency: Ctr's for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated the utility of the instrumental variables method in estimating the effectiveness of batterer programs on those who completed their assigned program.

Abstract

The study used a model of program completion and reassault that derived from economic theory about the effect of time costs on the allocation of time and the effect of anticipated negative sanctions on future criminal behavior. Data were obtained from 640 batterers enrolled in three programs. The study did present an estimate of the causal relationship between program completion and reassault. However, the paper presents many caveats regarding the validity of the study's findings and declines to make policy recommendations based on them. Nonetheless, it does make recommendations for future research: (1) further and better investigation of program non-compliance; (2) clarification of program content to obtain a better measure of program compliance; and (3) more investigative attention to the potential sources of selection bias in the evaluation of batterer programs. Notes, tables, figures, references