NCJ Number
188718
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 63 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2001 Pages: 102-107
Date Published
April 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes Correctional Service Canada's Violence Prevention Program (VPP), which is high-intensity treatment designed to reduce the risk of recidivism by offenders with histories of committing violent crimes.
Abstract
Piloted at six institutions in 1999, VPP has several guiding principles, with the foremost being the safe reintegration of offenders. The program's goal to reduce the risk of violent recidivism is closely linked to the view that correctional treatment reduces crime if the behaviors targeted for change are directly connected to the causes of criminal behavior. VPP addresses the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that have been linked to violent offending. Because research has shown that there are many causes of violent crime, the program uses a number of methods. A large portion of the treatment is devoted to improving violent offender's skills, such as anger and impulse control, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. Also, the program challenges the values and attitudes that support violence and explores lifestyle issues, such as crime, alcohol and substance abuse, pro-criminal peers, and unemployment. As a cognitive-behavioral program, VPP assumes that violence is a learned behavior that is mediated by certain antisocial thoughts. Change is considered an internally driven process that occurs as people are motivated to change when their actions no longer get them what they want or when the costs outweigh the benefits. To date, 70 offenders across Canada have successfully completed VPP, and approximately 40 more are expected to finish the program soon. Comparing the results of the psychometric tests performed before and after offenders participated in the program overwhelmingly and consistently confirms a reduction in their impulsive behavior, expression of anger, hostility, and verbal and physical aggression. 4 notes and 18 references