Abuser Programmes and Violence Against Women

Abstract

Using the findings of the Violent Men Study, 1 , 2 we explore the impact of various criminal justice interventions, particularly court mandated abuser programmes, on men's subsequent use of violence against a woman partner. The three-year evaluation study examined the relationship between various criminal justice sanctions against domestic violence (abuser programmes and other interventions such as fines, warnings, probation) and men's subsequent use of violence and controlling behaviours. In addition, we examined the sustainability of change over a period of one year. The findings suggest that all types of intervention from the justice system are associated with some reduction in violence over a short period of time, but abuser programmes are associated with greater levels of reduction and these are more likely to be sustained over a period of one year. Reductions in physical violence are also associated with reductions in other forms of controlling behaviours. While marital status and employment also appear to be related to outcome, successful participation on an abuser programme is an important factor in reductions in violence and controlling behaviour and in the sustainability of change.