NCJ Number
99586
Journal
Response Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1985) Pages: 8-12
Date Published
1985
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A national mail survey was conducted to examine the characteristics of treatment programs for wife-batterers, as well as client characteristics and completion and attrition rates.
Abstract
Responses from 59 batterers' programs (66-percent response rate) indicate that the majority of these programs are relatively new, located in large urban areas, and funded by a combination of client fees and State and private grants. For most programs, services were provided by social workers and/or psychologists, although peer counselors and volunteers also were used. Services generally involved group counseling and individual counseling (42 percent of programs). Goals of treatment included changing violent behaviors and attitudes and increasing the abuser's self-esteem. Program completion lengths ranged from 4 to 36 weeks. The median number of program entrants was 59 per year. An average of 31 completed the program; 29 dropped out. The typical program entrant was white; married; 30 to 39 years old; high-school educated; and earning about $15,000. A comparative analysis indicates that program characteristics associated with greater treatment success include relatively recent implementation, provision of both individual and group counseling, and sufficient funding. Three references are provided.