Applying the Good Lives Model to Male Perpetrators of Domestic Violence

Integrated Motivational Strategies for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators with Substance Use: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: Intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators with alcohol and/or other drug use problems (ADUPs) have been identified as one of the main high-risk and highly resistant groups of perpetrators requiring special attention in intervention programs for IPV perpetrators. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate whether an individualized motivational plan adjusted to ADUPs (IMP-ADUPs) was superior to standard motivational strategies (IMP) in reducing ADUPs, and IPV and increasing treatment adherence in IPV perpetrators. Method: Data from a full sample of IPV perpetrators (n = 140) and a subsample of participants with ADUPs (n = 55) were collected at pre- and post-intervention and 12-month follow-up. Final outcomes included alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis use, self-reported IPV, risk of recidivism assessed by facilitators, and official IPV recidivism. Proximal outcomes included treatment adherence (stage of change, intervention dose, active participation, and dropout). Results: Both intent-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were conducted. The IMP-ADUPs condition was superior to the IMP in reducing alcohol use at post-intervention in both the full sample and ADUPs subsample. The full sample of participants in the IMP-ADUPs condition were in a more advanced stage of change post-intervention and showed increased active participation during the intervention process than IMP participants. All participants were in a more advanced stage of change at post-intervention and reduced their alcohol use and their risk of recidivism at post-intervention and 12-month follow-up. Conclusions: These results underscore the need to develop individualized treatment approaches to address participants' risks and needs and promote their motivation to change.

IPVAW male perpetrators convicted in Spain: a typology and characterization based on latent class analysis

Introduction

Men who assault their partners present deficits in the social skills necessary for adequate interpersonal interaction. Not all of them have the same difficulties, thus they do not constitute a homogeneous group. Various studies have proposed different typologies of abusers based on their sociodemographic characteristics, criminal history, intensity and extent of violent or psychopathological traits. The majority of these investigations have been conducted in community samples, prompting the question of their validity in samples of men convicted of gender violence. The aim of this study was to establish a typology of men convicted in Spain for a gender violences crimes.

Methodology

A total of 365 men participated and were subdivided into three classes of abusers based on their childhood, family experiences with violence, criminal history, sexist attitudes and attitudes toward violence, intensity and type of violence, psychopathological state and attachment style.

Results

Coinciding with the results found in other research, 30% of the participants were classified as generally violent. They engaged in severe forms of physical, psychological and sexual violence and were more likely to do so than the rest. Additionally, they are more likely to present psychopathological problems and an antisocial character. Twenty-one percent were classified as dysphoric/borderline. They are characterized by minor forms of psychological violence, borderline or depressive symptomatology and an anxious attachment style. The remaining 49% were classified as familial or normalized abusers. This group exhibits moderate attitudes toward violence and sexism, resulting in less psychological and physical aggression. They do not present psychopathological problems and are likely to present a secure attachment style.

Discussion

It is argued that determining the psychological characteristics of each type of abuser would contribute to improving and adapting intervention protocols in Spain, leading to a significant improvement in the current issue of abuse.

Self-Determined Goals of Male Participants Attending an Intervention Program for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: A Thematic Analysis

Treatment adherence and motivation to change are among the main challenges in intervention programs for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) perpetrators. Motivational strategies have shown promising results in increasing the effectiveness of intervention programs for IPV perpetrators. One of these motivational strategies is goal setting. The aim of this study was to analyze and categorize the self-determined goals (n = 204) of 227 male participants attending an intervention program for IPV perpetrators. Findings of the thematic analysis suggested three levels of analysis: 4 core categories, 12 categories, and 35 codes. The four core categories were "interpersonal relationships" (39.7%), "personal resources for daily life" (29.3%), "coping strategies" (27.8%), and "motivation to change" (3.2%). Identifying the main categories of self-determined goals of IPV perpetrators could guide professionals to tailor the intervention to participants' specific needs and implement evidence-based strategies to strengthen goal attainment and improve treatment outcomes.

Development of an Evidence-based Violence Rehabilitation Program for Offenders With Intellectual Disability

A review of the current literature on evidence-based violence prevention programs developed for individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) reveals a paucity of direct evidence for this population. In addition, the existing offence-specific programs are primarily grounded in adapted cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) programs designed for the mainstream offender population, which may not be suitable for offenders with co-morbid mental health and personality disorders. The current paper discusses the development of a violence rehabilitation program for offenders with an ID. The focus of the article is on the exploration of the empirically supported risk factors associated with violent offending and the incorporation of these dynamic risk factors into the program modules. A case study example was utilized to examine the process of VRP-ID and how the modules targeted the offenders' treatment needs. Responsivity issues are addressed by identifying cognitive difficulties experienced by this cohort and the implications for treatment. The Risk/Need/Responsivity (RNR) model and the good lives Model (GLM) are widely used offender rehabilitation models that can be considered the guiding principles in developing this program. Furthermore, it utilizes contemporary therapeutic frameworks such as motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and GLM reconceptualization and skills. The program is grounded in trauma-informed principles, which acknowledge this client group's high prevalence of victimization.

Perspectives on Motivation and Change in an Intervention for Men Who Use Substances and Perpetrate Intimate Partner Abuse: Findings From a Qualitative Evaluation of the Advance Intervention

Despite consistent evidence that substance use is a contributory risk factor for perpetration of intimate partner abuse (IPA), little evidence exists for effective interventions for male IPA perpetrators who use substances. The Advance intervention aimed to meet this need. This 16-week intervention addressed both IPA and substance use, and was for men accessing substance use treatment who had perpetrated IPA toward a female (ex-)partner within the last 12 months. Two key theories underpinned the intervention: goal theory and self-regulation theory. In this article, we aim to illustrate the views of men and substance use treatment staff on men's motivations to change, the ways in which men and staff said that men had changed their behavior, and the aspects of the intervention that they reported were key in the process of change. Using framework analysis, we analyzed data from 12 men who took part in the intervention as well as 31 staff members from substance use treatment services. Our five overarching themes were personal goal setting and motivation; recognition of IPA and the substance using lifestyle; improved self-regulation; considering the impact on others; and learning together in a group. Men and staff valued having a program that integrated IPA and substance use and thought the program was unique and much needed. Moreover, our findings suggest that goal theory, self-regulation, and more broadly, motivational and strengths-based approaches with practice-based activities, may be beneficial for effecting change in the substance using perpetrator population. However, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Overall, our findings highlight the value of using qualitative outcome measures of perpetrator programs to complement quantitative measures of impact.

Effectiveness of a Prison-Based Treatment Program for Male Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: A Quasi-Experimental Study of Criminal Recidivism

Despite increasing interest in programming for perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV), the literature provides weak support for the effectiveness of these interventions. However, there are few studies that evaluate programs offered to felony IPV offenders who are serving prison sentences. This study uses a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of a prison-based implementation of a popular IPV intervention in reducing general and offense-specific recidivism among 169 men released from state prison in 2017. Because recidivism data were collected through early March 2019, the average follow-up period was approximately 20 months for both the control group and experimental group. Observable selection bias was minimized by using propensity score matching to create a comparison group of 169 nonparticipants released in 2017 who were not significantly different from the program participants. Cox regression models were used to predict general rearrest, reconviction, reincarceration, and supervised release revocation, as well as rearrest and reconviction for any violent offenses and rearrest and reconviction for domestic violence offenses in particular. No significant differences in any type of recidivism were found between the comparison group and those who participated in treatment, regardless of whether the participant completed or failed to complete the program. The findings suggest that the intervention is no more successful when offered within prisons than when offered in the community. The study concludes by making recommendations for increasing the effectiveness of prison-based domestic violence programming.

Good Lives Model: Importance of Interagency Collaboration in Preventing Violent Recidivism

Violence is a complex and multifaceted problem requiring a holistic and individualized response. The Good Lives Model (GLM) suggests violence occurs when an individual experiences internal and external obstacles in the pursuit of universal human needs (termed primary goods). With a twin focus, GLM-consistent interventions aim to promote attainment of primary goods, whilst simultaneously reducing risk of reoffending. This is achieved by improving an individuals’ internal (i.e., skills and abilities) and external capacities (i.e., opportunities, environments, and resources). This paper proposes that collaborations between different agencies (e.g., psychological services, criminal justice systems, social services, education, community organizations, and healthcare) can support the attainment of primary goods through the provision of specialized skills and resources. Recommendations for ensuring interagency collaborations are effective are outlined, including embedding a project lead, regular interagency meetings and training, establishing information sharing procedures, and defining the role each agency plays in client care.

The Challenges of Conducting Qualitative Research on "couples" in Abusive Intimate Partner Relationships Involving Substance Use

Undertaking qualitative dyad or couple interviews involving intimate partner abuse and substance use presents considerable ethical, safeguarding, and theoretical challenges throughout the research process from recruitment to conducting interviews and analysis. These challenges and how they were managed are outlined using the experience from a qualitative study of 14 heterosexual "couples" that explored the complex interplay between intimate partner abuse and substance use. Managing these challenges for participants, their families, and researchers included the use of safeguarding protocols and procedures to manage risk and the provision of clinical support for experienced researchers. Researchers often felt drawn into the conflicts and complex dynamics of opposing accounts from the male and females' relationship which could be emotionally and methodologically taxing. Researchers discussing their analysis and felt experiences with each other provided a reflexive space to manage emotions and stay close to the theoretical underpinnings.

How the Good Lives Model Can Complement Mentalization-Based Treatments for Individuals Who Have Offended With Anti-Social Personality Disorder and General Forensic Mental Health Needs: Practice Update

Limited research to date has focused on strengths-based rehabilitative approaches, such as the Good Lives Model (GLM) and the additive benefits such approaches have in ameliorating mental health needs of those in contact with forensic services. Mentalization-based therapies (MBTs) may be an effective treatment in forensic settings. This article aims to provide an overview of how GLM theory can integrate MBT within forensic settings. The review provides a conceptual overview of the many commonalities between GLM and MBT principles and provides information about how MBT can be embedded within forensic communities adhering to GLM principles. The article closes by offering an overview of the evidence of MBT approaches for individuals with anti-social personality disorder (ASPD) and those in contact with forensic services.

Reorienting Locus of Control in Individuals Who Have Offended Through Strengths-Based Interventions: Personal Agency and the Good Lives Model

Having an external locus of control has been associated with a range of well-supported risk correlates of offending behavior. Further, individuals with an internal locus of control orientation are suggested to be more open to engaging in treatment and are also considered more likely to have successful treatment outcomes. In forensic settings, where individuals are subject to external controls and have little personal autonomy, it is important to consider what treatment approaches might be most successful in reorienting individuals’ locus of control. The Good Lives Model (GLM) proposes a strengths-based approach to the rehabilitation of individuals who have offended. Within the GLM, an external locus of control is suggested to be associated with a deficit in the primary good of agency. In this article, we will provide a brief overview of the literature on locus of control and its hypothesized role in offending behavior. We will discuss how an external locus of control orientation is related to personal agency and how strengths-based models, such as the GLM, may assist with reorienting locus of control in individuals who have offended through promoting personal agency.

More Likely to Dropout, but What if They Don't? Partner Violence Offenders With Alcohol Abuse Problems Completing Batterer Intervention Programs

There is general consensus that alcohol abuse is a risk factor to be considered in batterer intervention programs. Intimate partner violence perpetrators with alcohol abuse problems are more likely to dropout of batterer intervention programs. However, there is little research on intimate partner violence perpetrators with alcohol abuse problems completing batterer intervention programs. In this study, we analyze drop-out rates among perpetrators with alcohol abuse problems and explore whether perpetrators with alcohol abuse problems completing a batterer intervention program differ from those who do not have alcohol abuse problems in a number of outcomes. The sample was 286 males convicted for intimate partner violence against women, attending a community-based batterer intervention program. Final (i.e., recidivism) and proximal (i.e., risk of recidivism, responsibility attributions, attitudes toward violence, sexism, psychological adjustment, and social integration) intervention outcomes were analyzed. Chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and one-way ANOVA were conducted. Results confirmed higher dropout rates among perpetrators with alcohol abuse problems. Results also showed a reduction in alcohol abuse among perpetrators with alcohol abuse problems completing the batterer intervention program. Finally, results showed that, regardless of alcohol abuse problems, perpetrators who completed the batterer intervention program showed improvements in all intervention outcomes analyzed. Perpetrators both with and without alcohol abuse problems can show positive changes after completing an intervention program and, in this regard, the present study highlights the need to design more effective adherence strategies for intimate partner violence perpetrators, especially for those with alcohol abuse problems.

The Application of the Good Lives Model to Women Who Commit Sexual Offenses

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite increased studies which have identified the treatment needs of women who commit sex offenses, there are no empirically derived treatment models based upon a comprehensive theoretical paradigm.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although current treatment models include similar goals and approaches, there are some important distinctions. The following article provides an overview of two treatment models, gender-responsive treatment and gendered strength-based treatment. These models were then examined to determine whether they could be integrated within a comprehensive theoretical rehabilitation framework such as the Good Lives Model. The Good Lives Model provides a comprehensive theoretical framework that allows for integration of the gender-responsive and gendered strength-based treatment models. These treatment models utilize strength-based approaches, risk-need-responsivity principles, cognitive behavioral techniques, and relational processes to foster change.

A Qualitative Examination of the Experiences of Veterans Treatment Court Graduates in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

U.S. Veterans treatment courts (VTCs) serve justice-involved Veterans with behavioral health and reintegration issues. However, there is paucity of efforts examining VTC participants' experiences and distinguishing the unique operations of VTCs. We summarize a descriptive history of a large VTC program in a major metropolitan area (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) and examine the experiences of this VTC's participants. We used content analysis to code VTC graduation proceeding transcripts with complementary content data from resources distributed by the presiding Judge to entering participants. From 2009 through 2016, 118 Veterans were graduated, averaging 9 to 12 months for completion for those with felony or non-felony charges, and blended monitoring with positive reinforcement within a three-stage program. From 62 VTC graduates across eight graduations, testimonies centered on gratitude toward the treatment team, treatment readiness, treatments received, and reintegration. As several theoretical frameworks on behavior change exist, opportunities remain to enhance the delivery of the VTC.

The Process of Primary Desistance From Intimate Partner Violence

This study examined the interaction between structure and agency for individuals in the first or early phase of primary desistance (1 year offending free) from intimate partner violence (IPV). Narrative accounts of perpetrators, survivors, and IPV program facilitators were analyzed using Thematic Analysis. Changes in the self and the contexts, structures, and conditions were necessary to promote desistance. Perpetrators made behavioral and cognitive changes taking on different identities (agentic role) by removing external stressors and instability within the confines of a supportive environment (structural role). Findings provide a theoretical framework of desistance from IPV that integrates social processes and subjective change.

Addressing criminality in childhood: is responsivity the central issue?

The responsivity principle is the third element of the now well-established risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model of offender rehabilitation. Accruing evidence suggests it is often sacrificed in intervention programs. We aim to demonstrate the central importance of this principle when designing offender interventions by describing the results of a successful, highly responsive intervention for very young children (aged 7 upward) who have offended. A small slice of the offending population as a whole, child offenders are nevertheless tomorrow's serious, violent, and prolific lawbreakers, yet little is understood about what reduces their risk. Recent developments on responsivity are reviewed, before presenting the evaluation indicating significant and sustained drops in risk of recidivism. In-program factors such as the nature and dosage of interventions are examined, alongside outcome data. The article discusses how RNR and other models might apply to this particularly young and underresearched age group.

Applying Effective Corrections Principles (RNR) to Partner Abuse Interventions

Results of outcome evaluations of the domestic violence (DV) programs are not encouraging. Overall, the most optimistic conclusion is that these programs have only a modest impact on reducing repeat partner violence. Recently, there are calls for DV programs to “grow up,” adapt a paradigm shift, shed ideology, and determine how the maximum impact can be realized from work to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV). The following review examines why program results are so unconvincing and proposes a comprehensive framework to advance the field. Specifically, it recommends that applying the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) principles of effective corrections could substantially improve treatment results. Using this framework, the article identifies selected risk assessment tools to screen offenders into appropriate levels of service (the risk principle) and provides an extensive review of the literature on appropriate targets for change (the need principle). Problems with substance use (particularly alcohol abuse), emotion management, self-regulation, and attitudes supportive of partner abuse have substantial empirical support as factors related to IPV. There is weaker but promising support for targeting the impact of association with peers who are supportive of abuse of women, poor communication skills, and motivation to change abusive behavior patterns. Responsivity could be enhanced through incorporation of motivational interviewing techniques, the processes of change identified in the Transtheoretical Model, solution-focused and strength-based approaches, and attention to identity change and cultural issues. In addition, the review describes strategies to insure ongoing program integrity, a key factor in implementing effective interventions.