Comparing recidivism rates among domestically violent men enrolled in ACTV versus Duluth/CBT.

Abstract

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 (SD age = 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.

A Technology-Enhanced Intervention for Violence and Substance Use Prevention Among Young Black Men: Protocol for Adaptation and Pilot Testing

“…BrotherlyACT is based on several theoretical and conceptual models. The intervention's psychoeducational modules will adapt an existing theory-driven and skills-based manualized intervention (Achieving Change Through Values-Based Behavior [ACTV]) with motivational, informational, and behavioral activation strategies [40][41][42][43][44][45]. These brief or microlearning psychoeducational modules will cover topics on help-seeking, substance use, conflict resolution, nonretaliation, healthy relationships, gun and gang refusal skills, mindfulness (putting a brake on emotional reactivity), and positive future orientation and coping.…”

“…The original ACTV curriculum comprises 5 modules designed for violence reduction with incarcerated men and women using group sessions [38][39][40][41][42][43][44]. In addition to feedback from young Black men and service providers, the other components of BrotherlyACT were informed by the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation to Change Behavior model [46], which proposes 3 elements that are vital to sustainable behavior change: capability, opportunity, and motivation [46].…”

“…ACTV was developed by a coauthor (AZ) and has been rigorously tested in multiple randomized effectiveness trials, feasibility studies, and pilot studies in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Corrections [38][39][40][41][42][43][44]. A series of effectiveness trials compared ACTV with the traditional Duluth or CBT model.…”