NCJ Number
135977
Journal
Criminal Justice Review Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: (Autumn 1991) Pages: 227-248
Date Published
1991
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Strategies and their effectiveness in dealing with domestic assaults are examined. Three types of data evaluate arrest, incarceration, and rehabilitation.
Abstract
A content analysis of 19 studies demonstrates the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral group treatment often followed by education on domestic violence, self-help treatment, or group therapy. The results indicate a mean success rate of 71.8 percent. Recommendations include use of a quasi-experimental design and controls for attrition and separations from victims. Also, the role of arrest in relation to treatment should be analyzed. Program evaluation and recidivism data are shown in a study of 166 arrested spouse abusers who attended Batterers Anonymous counseling under court-order. Findings show 80.8 percent of the total offenders were successful after 18 months of counseling. Results from a comparison between 240 offenders who received treatment after arrest and 166 offenders who were arrested without treatment show an increase of success of 15 percent during each of the first 6 months for those that received both treatment and arrest. Despite these findings, statistics between arrest and both arrest and treatment proved to be insignificant. Arrest alone can be an effective deterrent to one who fears going to jail. The concept of deterrence and rehabilitation must be expanded to create a new theory on domestic violence policy. 4 tables, 2 appendixes, and 45 references (Author abstract modified)