Domestic Violence Treatment in Colorado: An Overview of an Evidence-Based Approach

Abstract

In 2010, the State of Colorado revised its state standards to create consistency across the state for its domestic violence (DV) cases by placing emphasis on the integration of evidence-based practices into its DV treatment programming. Since then, Colorado has established a three-tiered differential treatment model informed by the principles of effective intervention (PEI), an evidence-based framework found in correctional programming. This article reviews the PEI framework, outlines the emerging research that explores the principles among DV offenders and their treatment, and provides an overview of Colorado's differentiated DV treatment model. Policy and research considerations are also discussed.