1. Comparing Recidivism Rates Among Domestically Violent Men Enrolled in ACTV Versus Duluth/CBT.
- Author
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Lawrence, Erika, Mazurek, Callie, and Reardon, Kathleen W.
- Subjects
RECIDIVISM rates ,INTIMATE partner violence ,DATING violence ,DOMESTIC violence ,ACCEPTANCE & commitment therapy - Abstract
Objective: The goal of the present study was to replicate and extend published preliminary evidence demonstrating that a relatively new treatment (Achieving Change through Value-Based Behavior [ACTV]) for men convicted of domestic violence significantly reduces recidivism compared to the standard treatment offered across the United States (the Duluth Model and/or cognitive-behavioral approaches). Method: Men convicted of domestic assault (DA) and court-mandated to a Batterers Intervention Program [N = 725; M
age = 34.9 years (SDage = 10.37 years)] were assigned to attend ACTV or treatment-as-usual (TAU). Participants were predominantly Black (63.3%). Recidivism, defined as any new convictions, any violent convictions, and any DA convictions, was examined up to 5 years posttreatment. Only men classified as medium or high risk were included. Results: Men in TAU were more likely to receive any conviction (95% CI [1.61, 4.40]), a violent conviction (95% CI [1.67, 9.60]), and a DA conviction (95% CI [1.36, 4.90]) compared to men in ACTV. Time to new conviction posttreatment was shorter for men in TAU versus ACTV (95% CI [2.16, 4.11]). Finally, the risk of receiving any new conviction (95% CI [1.46, 7.11]) was more strongly associated with noncompletion for TAU than ACTV participants. Conclusions: ACTV shows great promise for reducing recidivism compared to TAU. The present study represents the first time this intervention has been implemented in a state other than where it was developed and provides initial evidence for its generalizability and robustness. What is the public health significance of this article?: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is highly prevalent in U.S. families and yields financial costs exceeding $5.8 billion each year. Even mild and infrequent forms of physical IPV have serious consequences for individuals, couples, and children exposed to violence. Interventions that reduce the prevalence of psychological and physical IPV among men who have engaged in IPV previously would have benefits for victims, children, and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2021
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