NCJ Number
103273
Date Published
1984
Length
112 pages
Annotation
Based on a 1983 nationwide survey of batterer programs, this study, funded by the Texas Department of Human Resources, obtained information on treatment methods for abusing spouses and the effectiveness of these methods.
Abstract
The survey's first phase obtained information on program structure and characteristics, staff characteristics, referral processes, intervention formats, theoretical bases of methods and goals, treatment goals, treatment methods, relationships with other family violence service providers, and assessment and evaluation procedures. The first questionnaire was mailed to 228 programs throughout the United States, yielding 75 replies. In the survey's second phase, 15 respondents were sent followup questionnaires to obtain demographic information on program participants and indepth evaluation and assessment information. The most often used treatment modes were group and individual counseling. At least 75 percent of the programs used anger management training, emotional awareness training, exploration of personal and family histories, emotional expressiveness training, building social support systems, exploration of sex roles, problemsolving skill training, and communication skill training. The general absence of evaluation data made it impossible to determine the relative effectiveness of the treatment methods. Study limitations and future research are discussed. A literature review, survey questionnaires, 19 data tables, and 35-item annotated bibliography.