Question.1826 - Do Domestic Violence Offenders Who Participate In Domestic Violence Reduction Programs Have Reduced Chances Of Future Domestic Violence Incidents Compared To Non-Program Participants?
Answer Below:
Introduction The topic that has been considered for the proposed study is related to domestic violence reduction programs. Their efficiency in reducing violent incidences will be identified in this section. Background Information Domestic violence is found to create depression and injuries in the victim further increasing economic and social costs (United Nations, n.d.). These costs are incurred due to the services governments need to cater for treating as well as supporting the abused individuals. It has been further reported that in 2018, 1 out of 3 women in the world experienced domestic violence (United Nations, n.d.). It has also been estimated that almost every minute 20 individuals are physically abused by their partners in the US ranging from rape to homicide (NCADV, n.d.). Not only do women but men and children also face these kinds of domestic violence (NCADV, n.d.). To address this issue both national and state governments facilitate several preventions and/or reduction programs. For instance, the Illinois Department of Human Services (2023) facilitates anti-violence programs that offer prevention services in school and provide professional training to law enforcement officials and healthcare providers. Media outreach campaigns are also launched to spread awareness regarding the issue of domestic violence such as Partner Abuse Intervention Programs. These programs have been funded by the same department to reduce as well as prevent domestic violence(Illinois Department of Human Services, 2023). They offer education to assist domestic violence offenders and abusers. They are made to understand the attitudes, which might lead to domestic violence. They are encouraged to be accountable for their actions and assisted in learning non-violence and non-abusive ways to communicate with their partners or other family members (Illinois Department of Human Services, 2023). Thus, it is important to understand whether the issue is actually being addressed or not. Rationale for the Proposed Study Even after facilitating successful programs, it has been found that incidences of domestic violence are being repeated. Domestic violence offenders are often asked to attend treatment programs but they are not found to significantly influence recidivism. Group-based interventions are found to have some level of effect on repeat violence incidences, thereby reducing them significantly (Miller, Drake, & Nafziger, 2013). Therefore, it is important to understand the effectiveness of such interventions for perpetrators or abusers to reduce the future possibility of domestic incidents. This is one of the reasons for proposing this study. Thus, it can be said that domestic violence is a serious public issue experienced throughout the world. This is the reason why organizations and governments throughout the world facilitate domestic violence prevention or reduction interventions. They usually educate the abusers or offenders so that they can amend their behavior and avoid recidivating in the future. However, some of these programs are not found to be effective in addressing repeat incidences. Therefore, this proposal will first review the existing research on the concerned topic and then will propose a randomized experiment to determine if domestic violence reduction programs reduce the recidivism of participants. Literature Review This section involves a detailed review of the current literature on the efficiency of domestic violence reduction programs. This section’s purpose is to gather detailed information on the proposed study so that further research can be conducted. Usage of Intimate Partner Violence Programs Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public and social health issue that has severe consequences. The victims or survivors of this kind of violence are found to suffer from various kinds of physical and mental health issues. The worst part is that the victims can experience these issues not only for a short while but also for a long time (Karakurt et al., 2019). According to Eckhardt et al. (2006), several interventions and programs have been used for IPV perpetrators. This study particularly emphasized the use of batterer intervention programs (BIPs) for perpetrators so that future instances of any kind of domestic violence can be reduced. In this regard, Mills, Grauwiler, and Pezold (2006) suggested that there is a need to enhance rehabilitation and safety aspects in these kinds of treatment facilities and programs so that they can be made more effective. On the other hand, Eckhardt and colleagues (2013) found that several interventions and programs have been found to enhance safety behaviors among the participants. However, they are not found to use the provided community resources effectively. All these indicate that IPV programs can be effective in reducing the chances of future violent incidents but their effectiveness needs to be improved for better results. Usage of Other Domestic Violence Offender Intervention Programs Satyen and colleagues (2022) examined Domestic Violence Offender Intervention Programs and found that a range of perpetrator interventions are taken into consideration for addressing the issue, such as sociocultural programs and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Feminist sociocultural interventions are particularly intended to address gender-related attitudes, enhance personal accountability and responsibility for their abusive attitudes, and promote equality. These programs when concentrated on male perpetrators should motivate them to change their conception of control and power. However, to attain success in the long run it is highly imperative that the participants are willing to participate. If the participants are not willingly and actively participating in these programs then they might not facilitate positive change. Therefore, it has been suggested in this respect that more alternate approaches should be developed so that maladaptive thinking patterns of the perpetrators can be identified and likewise interventions can be adopted (Satyen et al., 2022). On the other side, McNeeley (2021) explored the Prison-Based Treatment Program for addressing IPV, which also focuses on male perpetrators. Prison-Based Treatment Programs are those interventions that are provided to IPV offenders. However, it was found that these kinds of interventions are not effective in reducing the risk of reconviction and recidivism when offered during their imprisonment. Therefore, McNeeley (2021) suggested that these programs should be provided to the offenders in a community setting and more effective programs should be introduced for prisoners. On a similar note, Travers et al. (2021) examined several interventions for preventing recidivism in IPV perpetrators. CBT and the Duluth-style approaches are some of the interventions explored in this study, both carried out in a group setting. This enables the perpetrators to learn, challenge, and observe their peers so they can improve their behavior and actions accordingly. However, these programs are not found to be effective in reducing recidivism. Better-tailored interventions can generate positive results. Therefore, the study of Armour and Hansen (2021) suggested the consideration of a risk-need-responsivity (RNR) framework for improving these interventions so that they can be made more effective. These are some interventions, which can be used for offenders so that future incidents of domestic violence can be reduced and prevented. Effectiveness of Domestic Violence Reduction Programs According to Eckhardt et al. (2006), recent reviews show only a small amount of positive impact of BIPs. Only a small number of trials have been conducted, which shows few benefits of attending these programs in preventing future domestic violence or abuse. Little empirical evidence has been gathered to support the effectiveness of the BIP intervention model. This evident research gap is highly imperative to be narrowed down as it has great significance in reducing future instances of domestic violence (Eckhardt et al., 2006). Karakurt et al. (2019) further asserted that various BIPs can be incorporated to reduce violence among male perpetrators. Upon evaluation, it was found that these programs are effective when compared to the results of post-intervention. It was also understood that adding the components of trauma and substance abuse resulted in better results while gender-role-based programs generated mixed results. Among all these interventions, strategies addressing comorbid issues were found to be more effective in preventing or reducing future incidences of domestic violence (Karakurt et al., 2019). On the other hand, it has been argued in the study by McNeeley (2021) that prison-based violence treatment programs did not show much effectiveness in addressing the issue. The existing interventions have been found to be ineffective when applied in the case of imprisoned offenders while it was found to be successful when facilitated at the community level. Therefore, this study suggested that the effectiveness of these programs needs to be increased (McNeeley, 2021). In addition, Mills et al. (2006) stated that these kinds of programs are mostly focused on male abusive partners or abusers. However, it must be noted that violent incidents impact both men and women in any given circumstance. Therefore, it is highly imperative for future research and theories to be conceptualized without considering gendered notions of intimate violence (Mills et al., 2006). Satyen et al. (2022) further explored cultural-specific interventions and it was understood that these kinds of programs were more effective when there was more cultural engagement. These programs were found to be more effective than others but the findings were limited to some ethnic groups only. It was suggested that more effective programs need to be developed that can address the mental health and behavioral issues of the perpetrators (Satyen et al., 2022). Even the study of Eckhardt et al. (2013) highlighted that the long-term implications of such programs on revictimization are still unclear and hence, more research is required to understand this aspect. It was particularly found through this study that interventions directed at survivors or victims did not have consistent results. The results were more complex and less positive in nature. On the other hand, those interventions focusing on the offenders or perpetrators showed vague results on their ability to reduce the risk of IPV in the future. However, therapeutic approaches were found to enhance emotional functioning but only with the support of CBT. Besides, supportive advocacy on community levels has been found to reduce the chances of revictimization in comparison to no-treatment controls (Eckhardt et al., 2013). Similarly, the study by Travers et al. (2021) found that the effectiveness of interventions was different as per the kind of treatment but risk-need-responsivity programs were found to be more effective. However, its long-term effectiveness is yet to be explored Travers et al. (2021). These indicate that treatment programs’ effectiveness can vary so more effective interventions need to be developed to address the research problem. Conclusively, these studies depict a significant research gap in understanding the efficiency of domestic violence prevention/reduction programs, especially in the long run. Some of the studies suggested that the interventions are effective in reducing future chances of such incidents, while some of them found them to be ineffective. Some studies also indicated that these kinds of programs are effective for short and medium terms, but the effectiveness of these interventions has not been researched for the long term. Although the effectiveness of these programs is equivocal, they are implemented widely. Hence, the majority of them suggested the development of more effective programs and the need to conduct extensive research on the same so that they can be successfully implemented. This research gap is proposed to be addressed in this study. Research Design This section outlines various methods, approaches, and techniques that will be taken into consideration for the proposed study. This section will first highlight the research question and the hypothesis of the study. Thereafter, the research approach and method that will be chosen for addressing the question and testing the hypothesis will be mentioned along with the reason for choosing the same. Furthermore, the sampling method and data analysis technique that has been selected will also be highlighted in this section of the study along with their rationale. Research Question The research question that has been intended to be addressed in the proposed study is as follows: Do domestic violence offenders who participate in domestic violence reduction programs have reduced chances of future domestic violence incidents compared to non-program participants? Hypothesis To address the above research question in the proposed study, the independent variable would be the domestic violence reduction program while the dependent variable would be domestic violence recidivism. The research hypothesis that will be tested for the proposed study is as follows: H0 (Null hypothesis): Domestic violence offenders participating in domestic violence reduction programs do not have lower recidivism rates than non-program participants H1 (Alternative hypothesis): Offenders participating in domestic violence reduction programs do have lower recidivism rates than non-program participants Research Method and Approach Considering the nature of the research question and the hypothesis, a quantitative research method has been considered to be appropriate. With the help of this method, it can be determined whether domestic violence reduction programs can lead to reduced recidivism rates. The reason for selecting this research design is that the domestic violence reduction intervention or program can be explored with the help of a control group, which will be compared with that of the participants of the program. This design will help in manipulating the independent variable so that the desired outcome can be tested. Along with this, the randomization of participants will be also done (Baker, n.d.). It will help in comparing two groups, namely the control group and the treatment group. Sampling Method The population that would be taken into consideration in this proposal would be individuals who are about to be released and hence, are eligible for a domestic violence reduction program. However, these individuals have not yet attended the program. The sample size of the proposed study would be about 100 individuals who would be selected randomly from the population and assigned to two different groups. 50 individuals would be randomly selected to receive the program and the other half would not attend the program. Thus, the sampling method considered in this study would be simple random sampling (Elfil, & Negida, 2017). Data Analysis The unit of analysis that would be taken into account is the individuals or domestic violence offenders. The data collection method that would be used in the proposed study is arrest records so that recidivism could be identified i.e. rearrest for a domestic violence offense could be found out. Regression analysis will be done to analyze the gathered data. The variables will be measured through nominal and ordinal scales. Demographic information would be retrieved from the individual’s court records. The experiment will be initiated just after the treatment group completes the domestic violence reduction program in 2024. The experiment will run for 12 months to understand its long-term effect. This will help in understanding whether the program was effective in reducing the chances of domestic violence incidents even after a year or not. This will further help in predicting whether the program is effective in reducing or mitigating the future chances of offenders being involved in violence. However, ethical concerns and research limitations need to be carefully mitigated so that the desired outcomes can be attained. Thus, it can be concluded that with the help of a quantitative experiment, the hypothesis has been proposed to be tested. For this, individuals would be assigned to two groups through a simple random sampling method, wherein 50 participants each will be assigned to control and treatment groups. The experiment will begin after the completion of the domestic violence reduction program and run for the next 12 months so its long-term effectiveness can be understood. References Baker, C. (n.d.). Quantitative Research Designs: Experimental, Quasi-Experimental, and Descriptive. US: Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://samples.jbpub.com/9781284101539/9781284101539_CH06_Drummond.pdf Eckhardt, C. I., Murphy, C. M., Whitaker, D. J., Sprunger, J., Dykstra, R., & Woodard, K. (2013). The effectiveness of intervention programs for perpetrators and victims of intimate partner violence. Partner Abuse, 4(2), 196-231, http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1946-6560.4.2.196. Elfil, M., & Negida, A. (2017). Sampling methods in clinical research; An educational review. Emergency, 5(1), e52, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5325924/. Illinois Department of Human Services. (2023). Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention Programs - IDHS 4711. IDHS. https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=32315 Karakurt, G., Koç, E., Çetinsaya, E. E., Ayluçtarhan, Z., & Bolen, S. (2019). Meta-analysis and systematic review for the treatment of perpetrators of intimate partner violence. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 105, 220-230, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6742529/. Mcleod, S. (2023). Qualitative Vs Quantitative Research Methods & Data Analysis. Research Methodology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/qualitative-quantitative.html McNeeley, S. (2021). Effectiveness of a prison-based treatment program for male perpetrators of intimate partner violence: A quasi-experimental study of criminal recidivism. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(21-22), 10405-10430, https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260519885641 Miller, M., Drake, E., & Nafziger, M. (2013). What works to reduce recidivism by domestic violence offenders? Olympia: Washington State Institute for Public Policy, 13-01-1201, 1-19, https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/bitstream/1/19634/1/13-01-1201.pdf. Mills, L.G., Grauwiler, P., & Pezold, N. (2006). Enhancing Safety and Rehabilitation in Intimate Violence Treatments: New Perspectives. Public Health Reports, 121, 363-368, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/003335490612100404. NCADV. (n.d.). National Statistics. Statistics. https://ncadv.org/STATISTICS#:~:text=1%20in%203%20women%20and,be%20considered%20%22domestic%20violence.%22&text=1%20in%207%20women%20and,injured%20by%20an%20intimate%20partner. Satyen, L., Hansen, A., Green, J. L., & Zark, L. (2022). The effectiveness of culturally specific male domestic violence offender intervention programs on behavior changes and mental health: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(22), 1-14, https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph192215180. Travers, Á., McDonagh, T., Cunningham, T., Armour, C., & Hansen, M. (2021). The effectiveness of interventions to prevent recidivism in perpetrators of intimate partner violence: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 84, 1-39, https://pureadmin.qub.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/228029114/Second_revision_review_of_IPV_interventions.pdf. United Nations. (n.d.). Examining Domestic Violence Around the World: The Cost of Doing Nothing. United Nations.https://www.un.org/en/academic-impact/examining-domestic-violence-around-world-cost-doing-nothiMore Articles From Research
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