Variables Associated With Attrition From Domestic Violence Treatment Programs Targeting Male Batterers

Abstract

Attrition from domestic violence treatment programs is of concern to correctional treatment providers because batterers who do not complete treatment are at higher risk for recidivism. This meta-analysis was conducted to determine the extent to which various demographic, violence-related, and intrapersonal variables predict attrition from domestic violence treatment programs for male batterers. A total of 30 studies that focused on in-program attrition and were published in English between 1985 and 2010 were included in the meta-analysis. Several variables distinguished treatment completers from dropouts, including employment, age, income, education, marital status, race, referral source, previous domestic violence offenses, criminal history, and alcohol and drug use. Furthermore, the theoretical orientation of the treatment program (i.e., feminist psychoeducational vs. cognitive-behavioral therapy) was found to be an important moderating variable. Findings suggest that the variables that predict attrition tend to be the same variables that predict recidivism and are discussed in relation to the responsivity principle.

Predicting violence among individuals who engage in self-injury

“…are similar to factors that have been associated with recidivism of intimate partner violence (Jewell & Wormith, 2010). The factors examined in this study also appear to overlap with several of the factors identified above as risk factors for engaging in intimate partner as well as general violence.…”

Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programs: A Proposal for Evidence-Based Standards in the United States

“…Clearly, the social science literature is replete with very damning criticisms of BIPs, and numerous reviews of BIPs document dropout rates that often range from 40% to 85% (Jewell & Wormith, 2010;Taylor, Davis, & Maxwell, 2001). Still, even the most rigorous outcome research finds some treatment effects in terms of reduced rates of recidivism, and the positive testimonials from BIP clients indicate that they see themselves quite differently after being in such programs.…”

The Power of Learning and Men’s Stories in Engaging Abusive Men in the Change Process: Qualitative Study Across Programs

“…Tetley et al (2011) identified dimensions of engagement including treatment completion, expected contributions to therapy (i.e., self-disclosure or tasks/activities), and working alliance between therapist and client. Lack of treatment completion presents a significant problem, with programs completion rates ranging from 22% to 78% (Jewell & Wormith, 2010). The low completion rates can affect victims' safety, because women often remain with partners enrolled in domestic abuse programs expecting they will complete the programs and stop their abusive behavior (Gondolf, 1988).…”