NCJ Number
211308
Date Published
February 2005
Length
78 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the methodology and findings of a preliminary examination of outcomes for Cook County (Illinois) batterer intervention programs (BIPs).
Abstract
The 30 BIP community-based programs and 1 court-housed program operate under State standards that specify a minimum of 24 weeks of intervention program for men arrested for domestic violence. The evaluation focused on the completion rate of men referred to batterer programs in the county; the rate of rearrest of men who completed the batterer program compared with men who did not complete the program; participants' behavioral change during the program; and factors linked to program completion, rearrest, and behavioral change. Individual case records of 899 consenting men who attended batterers programs in Cook County were searched for program completion criteria and attendance information for all BIPs. Arrest records were obtained from the Illinois Criminal Information Authority. Data showed program completion, behavioral change, and rearrest. Independent variables pertained to prior abusive patterns, demographics, substance use, and time in the program. Nearly three out of every four men (73.4 percent) referred to BIPs completed the program. Positive behavioral change occurred for men who completed the programs according to staff ratings. The recidivism rate for men who dropped out of BIPs was 37 percent, twice as high as the 15 percent recidivism rate for completers. Completing a BIP reduced the odds of being rearrested for domestic violence by 63 percent after controlling for age, employment, prior arrest, and alcohol abuse. This is a moderate effect size for program completion. 11 tables, 30 references, and appended evaluation instruments