Abstract
Purpose. This study examined the effectiveness of 52 week court mandated batterer treatment programs in San Bernardino County at changing the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of male perpetrators of domestic violence towards women. This research assessed the influence of various batterer characteristics have on the amount of change generated over the course of treatment, such as prior history of domestic violence perpetration, prior treatment, ethnicity, educational level, employment status, substance abuse history, age, and the severity of the violence inflicted. The role of facilitator gender, education, and experience on treatment effectiveness was also examined. Method. A total of 371 participants ranging from 19 to 65 years of age, with a median age of 33 participated from 8 programs. Forty one percent of the participants were Hispanic, 30% were Caucasian, and 20% were African American. Participants completed a questionnaire that included four scales, the Abusive Relationship Inventory (ARI), the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Bias Short Form, the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-3 (SASSI-3), Child Abuse and Trauma Scale (CAT), and Physical Abuse of Partner Scale (PAPS). Participants also completed a section of open ended questions discussing their experiences in the program. Results. The results indicated that participants did not experience a significant change in their attitudes and beliefs about women and relationships over the course of their treatment. Ethnic differences were noted in the attitudes and beliefs of participants. Facilitator education and experience did not affect the attitudes and beliefs of participants. Participants with male group facilitators reflected more positive attitudes and beliefs than participants with a female group facilitator. Discussion. The findings of this research indicate that the 52 week mandatory treatment model is not effectively changing the attitudes and beliefs of participants. The program may still be successfully teaching alternative conflict resolution skills and may serve as a deterrent for future acts of violence. A recidivism study is recommended to determine the impact of the program on individuals after completion of the program. A longitudinal study is also recommended to monitor the effect the program has at the individual level over time.