NCJ Number
97772
Date Published
1983
Length
280 pages
Annotation
This text synthesizes information, obtained from a survey sponsored by 111 agencies, about 116 programs that deal with family violence: identifies the range of existing programs; and describes 6 of the less traditional programming models.
Abstract
The primary criteria for including a program in the study were an identifiable program or service specifically for family violence perpetrators and a program that had been in operation at least 6 months. Telephone interviews were held with the head of each program in the sample; site visits were made to those agencies whose formats offered alternatives to the more traditional delivery models. Of the 116 programs surveyed, none had been in existence for more than 10 years; the largest percentage (43 percent) had existed for 1 or 2 years. Three major categories of programming formats emerged from the survey: counseling, support, and mediation. Program components included individual and group counseling as well as assessment. Assaulters were characterized as being socially isolated and having poor communications skills and low self-esteem. Treatment techniques found to work, such as problemsolving and role playing, are expanded upon; techniques that did not work, such as coercion, are also identified and discussed. Six unique and nontraditional programs used for violent family members are highlighted: a community consortium, a residential program, an inhome service, an inpatient program, a family camp, and a counseling and educational program. Appendixes contain a telephone prescreen checklist and selected sample characteristics. Seventeen references are included.