Intimate Partner Violence Recidivism Research Articles

Psychological Predictors of Recidivism for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Theoretical accounts of recidivistic intimate partner violence (IPV) continue to differ considerably in relation to the relative weight given to psychological risk factors. A systematic overview of studies that have established psychological predictors of reoffending is currently lacking. This study aimed to identify and provide an overview of studies examining various psychological factors associated with IPV perpetration patterns. A systematic search of research conducted from 1945 to 2024 was carried out on PsycINFO, PubMed, and PILOTS. The inclusion criteria were that studies must not use self-reported reoffending data only, must use a criminal justice sample, must be longitudinal, participants must be over 17 years of age, and that studies must be published in the English language and peer reviewed. A total of 25 longitudinal studies examining individual psychological factors, proposed as potential predictors of IPV reoffending, were eligible. The identified factors were grouped into five categories: personality, anger and hostility, beliefs, attitudes and motivation, neurocognitive deficits and trauma (i.e., family of origin abuse/post-traumatic stress disorder). The current systematic scoping review found that the most-researched psychological predictor of IPV recidivism was personality. While studies vary in relation to the personality traits or disorders that contribute most to the likelihood of reoffending, in general, personality assessment appears to be a promising tool in predicting reoffending. Anger, childhood maltreatment, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), implicit attitudes, and neurocognitive deficits were also identified as predictors of IPV recidivism. Methodological issues were found to be present across studies.

Risk for Violent and IPV Recidivism Among Incarcerated Men With a History of IPV Perpetration: An Examination of the Predictive Validity of the ODARA, DVRAG, and PCL-R

Using a hybrid prospective-retrospective study design, we examined the predictive validity of the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA), Domestic Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (DVRAG), and the Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL-R) in an incarcerated sample of 94 Canadian adult men with a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) referred for treatment. The sample was followed for an average of 3.6 years following release, yielding base rates of 23.4% and 12.8% for violent and IPV recidivism, respectively. Analyses revealed that the ODARA and DVRAG displayed high inter-rater reliability and that the two measures along with Factor 1 of the PCL-R generated the largest area under the curve (AUC) for IPV recidivism (AUC = .71, .71, and .69, respectively). Predictive validity of the three measures was maintained even after accounting for treatment exposure. Although promising, clinical implications of administering the ODARA and DVRAG to incarcerated men with a history of IPV are discussed.

The Effectiveness of Intimate Partner Violence Interventions by the Police, Prosecutors, and Courts

The criminal justice system (CJS), comprising police, prosecutors, and courts, is pivotal in preventing intimate partner violence (IPV). However, challenges persist in effectively protecting victims, with high post-reporting recidivism rates. This systematic review aims to identify CJS interventions targeting IPV recurrence and to assess their effectiveness. Eleven articles meeting inclusion criteria were categorized into three themes: police (five articles), prosecutor (zero articles), and court (six articles). While overall findings lack conclusive evidence on intervention effectiveness, they suggest potential in reducing IPV recidivism among specific perpetrator sub-groups. The review underscores the need to consider contextual factors when evaluating interventions like arrest for IPV prevention. Challenges in identifying evidence-based practices within the CJS persist, necessitating ongoing evaluation research and investment in evidence-based strategies to inform policy and practice effectively.

Examining the role of firearm involvement in repeat intimate partner violence assaults

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) remains a pervasive and complex issue with significant social and public health implications. The nexus of firearms and intimate partner violence (IPV) is an especially dangerous one. However, little is known about how firearm involvement can influence the risk of repeat IPV assaults.MethodsWe use data from 346 male perpetrated IPV incidents reported to the Detroit Police Department between December 2016 and April 2017 to examine the role of firearm involvement in IPV recidivism during a 5 and half year follow up period. Employing a conditional gap-time frailty model that accommodates heterogeneity among individuals through a frailty term, we analyze time to multiple IPV assaults that occur over the follow up period. We identify various pathways through which firearms impact the likelihood of subsequent IPV incidents, including intimidation, threats, and use of firearms, while controlling for observable perpetrator characteristics to understand the explicit roles of firearms.ResultsFirearm involvement at the index assault was not associated with IPV recidivism. However, involvement of firearms in past IPV assaults significantly increased the risk of subsequent physical IPV. The discrepancy is likely arising from a high degree of censoring among individuals who were armed with a firearm during the index assault.ConclusionOur research reveals a nuanced relationship between firearm involvement and IPV recidivism, shedding light on the multifaceted dynamics at play. By elucidating the intricate dynamics at the intersection of firearms and intimate partner violence, our study underscores the need for targeted policy interventions and preventative measures aimed at reducing IPV recidivism.

The Effects of Race and Gender When Predicting Intimate Partner Violence Recidivism in Police Reports Using the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment

Despite a growth in risk assessment for intimate partner violence (IPV), validation research has focused on men’s violence against women leading to a dearth of research among other genders and racialized populations. We examined validity of an IPV risk assessment tool in 448 Black and White men and women identified as IPV perpetrators by a United States urban police service. The Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) predicted new police reports of IPV in a fixed 2-year follow up (baserate = 33%, AUC = 0.59). Predictive effects were mostly small, with few significant differences between groups. Further research should examine the benefits and potential harms of IPV risk assessment to individuals who identify within minority race and gender groups.

Predicting Intimate Partner Violence Recidivism using the Swedish Prison and Probation Service’s Risk-Need-Responsivity Assessment (RNR-A)

Predicting Intimate Partner Violence Recidivism using the Swedish Prison and Probation Service’s Risk-Need-Responsivity Assessment (RNR-A)

Predicting Recidivism in a High-Risk Sample of Intimate Partner Violent Men Referred for Police Threat Assessment

It is unknown whether existing intimate partner violence (IPV) risk assessment tools can predict recidivism within threat assessment samples. We examined the predictive validity for IPV, any violent, and general recidivism of four commonly used IPV risk appraisal tools (Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment [ODARA], Spousal Assault Risk Assessment version 2 [SARA-V2], SARA version 3 [SARA-V3], and Brief Spousal Assault Form for the Evaluation of Risk [B-SAFER]) with 247 men charged with IPV and referred to a threat assessment service. Total scores of the ODARA and SARA-V2—but not SARA-V3 or B-SAFER—significantly predicted IPV recidivism and any violent recidivism. The SARA-V2 Criminal History subscale and the B-SAFER subscale of “Past” events—but no other subscales of the SARA-V2, B-SAFER, or SARA-V3—significantly predicted IPV recidivism. Although effect sizes were smaller than in past research, our results support the use of the ODARA and SARA-V2 with threat assessment IPV populations.

Hormonal Profile in Response to an Empathic Induction Task in Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: Oxytocin/Testosterone Ratio and Social Cognition.

Empathy deficits have been proposed to be an important factor for intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV perpetrators have shown a differential change in salivary oxytocin (sOXT), testosterone (sT), and cortisol (sC), following empathic and stress tasks, compared to non-violent men. However, the influence of empathic deficits in those hormones after an emotion-induction task in IPV perpetrators remains unclear. We analyzed the effects of an empathic induction task on endogenous sOXT, sT and sC levels, as well as their hormonal ratios, in IPV perpetrators (n = 12), and compared them to controls (n = 12). Additionally, we explored the predictive capacity of empathy-related functions (measured with the interpersonal reactivity index) in the hormonal responses to the task. IPV perpetrators presented lower sOXT changes and higher total sT levels than controls after the task, lower sOXT/T change and total sOXT/T levels, as well as higher total sT/C levels. Notably, for all participants, the lower the perspective taking score, the lower the total sOXT levels and sOXT changes and the higher the sT changes were. Low perspective taking also predicted smaller sOXT/T and sOXT/C changes in the empathic induction task, and higher total sT/C levels for all participants. Therefore, our results could contribute to furthering our ability to focus on new therapeutic targets, increasing the effectiveness of intervention programs and helping to reduce IPV recidivism in the medium term.

Treatment Experiences Among Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: A Qualitative Analysis.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global and widespread public health issue. Knowledge on what promotes individual-level reductions in risk for IPV recidivism is limited. In order to explore how group therapy influences the ability to obtain and sustain change, the objectives were to explore how IPV perpetrators make sense of and think about their experiences of group therapy and what their experiences are regarding needs of treatment for IPV perpetration. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed with the qualitative method Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Two main themes were identified; "Experiences in group therapy" (subthemes: Ultimatum as a turning point; The guys as a powerful tool for change and Unfinished ending) and "Treatment needs" (subthemes: Violence as an addiction and Weakness as a strength). The findings highlight that group therapy is experienced positively, as well as difficulties that constitute obstacles, and need of further support after ending treatment.

Risk factors for intimate partner violence among native and immigrant male partners in Sweden

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the importance of differentiating between partner violent men in terms of immigrant or native Swedish background, when assessing risk for intimate partner violence (IPV) recidivism. A quantitative design was used with a sample of 1263 alleged male perpetrators reported for IPV-related crimes to the Swedish police. Data consisted of police officers’ risk assessments using the Swedish version of the Brief Spousal Assault Form for the Evaluation of Risk (B-SAFER). Results showed that risk factors such as 'Violent threats or thoughts', and 'Violent attitudes', were more common for perpetrators with an immigrant background. In contrast, risk factors such as 'General criminality' and 'Substance use problems' were more common among native perpetrators. Furthermore, in relation to the importance of specific risk factors for an elevated risk of IPV recidivism, such risk was elevated for perpetrators with a native background when ‘Violent threats or thoughts’, ‘General criminality’ and ‘Relationship problems’ were present. Corresponding factors for immigrant perpetrators consisted of ‘Escalation’ and ‘General criminality’. These results are essential for the police to recognize and understand since only victims in IPV cases with an elevated assessed risk will be eligible for risk management and protective actions.

Criminogenic needs and intimate partner violence: Association with recidivism and implications for treatment.

The Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) principles of effective correctional service that are well supported in the general offending literature have less often been applied to the assessment and treatment of intimate partner violence (IPV). Well validated IPV risk assessment tools are now widely available, and IPV treatment programs that match treatment intensity to assessed risk have shown promising pre-to-post treatment effects. The present study builds on the study of RNR principles in IPV by exploring criminogenic needs and their relation to recidivism and to recently proposed treatment intensity categories derived from an IPV risk assessment tool. We reanalyzed data from 1,421 men with a police report of IPV in the original Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) dataset, to explore the prevalence of antisocial personality traits, procriminal attitudes, substance use, poor relationships, and work/school problems and their relation to IPV recidivism and ODARA-based treatment intensity categories. Needs were present in 17% (procriminal attitudes) to 42% (substance use) of men. All needs except poor relationships were positively related to IPV recidivism; in logistic regression analyses, antisocial personality traits (OR = 1.80) and poor relationships (OR = 0.61) incrementally predicted IPV recidivism over the ODARA (OR = 1.40). Men placed in higher treatment intensity categories based on the risk assessment score had more criminogenic treatment needs. Findings support using the ODARA to select individuals for the most intensive IPV treatment, and suggest that assessing and treating criminogenic needs may improve IPV treatment outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Cognitive Flexibility and Reaction Time Improvements After Cognitive Training Designed for Men Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose Current interventions for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators are designed to reduce IPV recidivism by treating risk factors and increasing protective factors. However, these interventions pay less attention to cognitive functioning in IPV perpetrators and how these variables interfere with the future risk of recidivism. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to compare the effectiveness of Standard Intervention Programs for men who perpetrate IPV [SIP] + cognitive training vs SIP + placebo training in promoting cognitive improvements and reducing recidivism. Furthermore, we also aimed to assess whether changes in the risk of recidivism would be related to cognitive changes after the intervention. Method IPV perpetrators who agreed to participate were randomly allocated to receive SIP + cognitive training or SIP + placebo training. Several cognitive variables were assessed before and after the interventions with a complete battery of neuropsychological tests assessing processing speed, memory, attention, executive functions, and emotion decoding abilities. Moreover, we also assessed the risk of recidivism. Results Our data pointed out that only the IPV perpetrators who received the SIP + cognitive training improved their processing speed and cognitive flexibility after this intervention. Furthermore, these participants presented the lowest risk of recidivism after the intervention. Nonetheless, cognitive improvements and reductions in the risk of recidivism after the intervention were unrelated. Conclusions Our study reinforces the importance of implementing cognitive training to reduce risk of recidivism after SIP. Hence, these results might encourage professionals to incorporate neuropsychological variables in IPV intervention programs.

Predictive Properties of the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) in a Northern Canadian Prairie Sample

This study examined the predictive properties of the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) in a large Canadian, predominantly Indigenous, sample from a geographic region with the highest rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the country. A random stratified sample of 300 men (92.7% Indigenous) court adjudicated for an IPV offense was drawn from six Northern Saskatchewan Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment regions. The ODARA was rated from police records and recidivism data were obtained via official criminal records over a mean 4.7-year follow-up. ODARA scores had small to moderate predictive accuracy (AUC/C = .58–.67) for IPV and other recidivism outcomes in the aggregate sample and Indigenous subsample. E/O index analyses demonstrated that the ODARA Ontario norms overpredicted IPV recidivism at high scores but underpredicted it at lower mid-range scores. Implications for use of the ODARA to assist frontline police personnel in IPV risk assessment and management are discussed.

The Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment: Predicting Violence Among Men With a Police Record of Intimate Partner Violence in the United States

The Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) is an actuarial risk assessment tool for intimate partner violence (IPV) recidivism. Despite its international use, there is no published validation of the ODARA’s predictive accuracy in a U.S. sample. We studied 356 men in New York police records of IPV against a female partner to examine the ODARA’s predictive accuracy for IPV recidivism (base rate 35%), non-IPV violent recidivism (against a nonpartner; 16%), any violent recidivism (49%), and nonviolent recidivism (50%), in a fixed 2-year follow-up. Using 11 scorable ODARA items, area under the curve values were significant and ranged from .590 to .630, indicating small to medium effects. Expected/Observed indices revealed poor calibration with 2-year IPV recidivism rates in ODARA construction and cross-validation samples. Findings support the generalization of the ODARA’s predictive accuracy in different populations and outcomes, but a need for new norm development for higher risk populations.

Evaluating borderline personality disorder traits in the context of an intimate partner violence intervention programme

ABSTRACT Research has demonstrated a clear association between Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) perpetration, but an association with IPV intervention programme drop-out and recidivism has not been directly examined. In the current study, we examined associations between self-reported BPD symptomology and self-reported IPV perpetration variables, IPV intervention programme outcome, and recidivism. An additional goal was to compare traditional DSM-5 BPD with the Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) dimensional trait perspective. For this purpose, we used archival data of 531 men in a court-ordered group IPV intervention programme. Results indicated that IPV offenders with BPD symptomology were of increased risk for failing to complete IPV treatment and were more likely re-offend in a one year follow up period, thus providing further support for the relevance of personality pathology in relation to IPV treatment success. Overall both ‘traditional’ BPD and AMPD BPD-relevant trait dimensions were shown to be approximately equally associated with self-report IPV variables, IPV treatment outcomes, and recidivism, with minor advantages for each BPD model for different outcome variables. Regardless of perspective, our findings indicate that BPD symptoms and traits are important for clinicians to consider in the treatment and risk assessment of IPV offenders.

Intimate Partner Violence, Psychopathy, and Recidivism: Do Psychopathic Traits Differentiate First-time Offenders from Repeated Offenders?

ABSTRACT The current study analyzes the relation between psychopathic traits and the four facets of psychopathy (i.e., interpersonal, affective, lifestyle, and antisocial) and general and intimate partner violence (IPV) recidivism. The Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and the Marital Violence Inventory (IVC) were completed by a sample of 279 male perpetrators of IPV who were retrospectively classified as general repeated offenders versus first-time offenders and IPV repeated-offenders versus IPV first-time offenders. Four separate binary logistic regression analyses were conducted controlling for age and criminal and abuse variables. PCL-R total scores and the antisocial facet were positively correlated with general repeated offenses, despite criminal history showing higher associations with general recidivism. For IPV repeated offenders, PCL-R antisocial facet and criminal history were statistically significant, being the last one the variable that presents higher association with IPV recidivism. These results support the role of criminal history as an important variable for repeated offenses.

The Moderating Effect of Alcohol Use Disorder on Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Outcomes in Veterans

BackgroundVeterans report relatively high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) due to high trauma exposure. Alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is more prevalent among veterans, is a risk factor for IPV use and recidivism following IPV intervention. Using data from a prior randomized control trial of a trauma-informed IPV intervention, we examined the moderating effect of AUD on treatment outcomes among veterans.MethodsParticipants were 61 male veterans (M age = 37.18, SD = 13.23; 82% White; 18% met criteria for AUD) who participated in the Strength at Home (SAH) IPV intervention. Generalized mixed modelling was used to examine the effects of AUD and treatment attendance on posttreatment reductions in IPV.ResultsA significant three-way interaction between time, AUD, and session attendance was observed with respect to reductions in psychological IPV. Specifically, psychological IPV decreased significantly over time, but to a lesser extent among individuals with AUD, regardless of treatment attendance.DiscussionResults indicate that participants with AUD receive less benefit from treatment with regard to coercive and controlling abusive behaviors. Findings speak to the need for adapting IPV intervention in order to address problematic alcohol use and related externalizing psychopathology.

Using a General Case Management Tool With Partner-violent Men on Community Supervision in Iowa

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is among the most common acts of violence against women worldwide, making it a major global threat to women's health and safety. The assessment and management of IPV offenders are therefore vital tasks in criminal justice systems. The current study examined whether the DRAOR, a general case management tool, was useful for supervising 112 male IPV offenders in Iowa, United States. Several risk factors emerged as potentially important treatment targets for partner-violent men, including poor attachment with others, substance abuse, anger/hostility, opportunity/access to victims, and problematic interpersonal relationships. While further research is needed to improve the utility of the DRAOR for predicting IPV recidivism, it assesses several factors that are relevant for supervising IPV cases (e.g., substance abuse, anger/hostility, victim access). This suggests the DRAOR could potentially be used to guide case management in the presence of a validated IPV tool that focuses on static risk factors, such as the ODARA. The use of the DRAOR with IPV offenders may also be warranted if they are found to be generally violent/antisocial rather than as family only offenders.

Motivational Strategies in Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence Offenders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Previous research suggests that the inclusion of motivational strategies in interventions for intimate partner violence (IPV) offenders could increase their effectiveness. This review evaluated the effectiveness of interventions for IPV offenders that includes motivational strategies to reduce physical and psychological IPV, treatment dropout, official recidivism to IPV offending, and to increase intervention attendance dose. The present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PRISMA guidelines. The following databases were searched from 1983 to 2018 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions for IPV offenders that incorporated motivational strategies for adult participants that included men and included IPV behaviors as outcomes: Cochrane Collaboration, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL. A total 1,134 studies were identified, 12 RCTs were included in the narrative review and 7 in the meta-analysis. Results indicated that IPV interventions that incorporated motivational strategies were significantly more effective in increasing the intervention dose and reducing dropout than interventions without motivational strategies. IPV offenders receiving interventions with motivational strategies were 1.73 times less likely to intervention dropout compared to those in interventions without such strategies. For physical and psychological IPV and official recidivism (e.g., rearrests, police record), evidence favored interventions with motivational strategies, although not significantly. These findings have important practical implications, especially considering the high dropout rates in IPV offender programs and the link between dropout and higher rates of recidivism.

Duluth versus cognitive behavioral therapy: A natural field experiment on intimate partner violence diversion programs.

We used data from a 3-year natural field experiment to study rates of recidivism in 2 types of diversion programs designed to reduce intimate partner violence (IPV) among heterosexual partners. In one program (Duluth), efforts are focused on protecting women from male aggression through a psychoeducational program, regardless of the offender's sex. In the other program (cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT]), efforts are focused on improving intrahousehold behaviors and communication skills through counseling. Our experimental results found that the IPV recidivism rate, measured as reconvictions for IPV, was 11 percentage points higher for offenders randomly assigned to a Duluth treatment program (14 percentage points higher among males). This outcome is statistically and practically significant, suggesting that the Duluth approach corresponds to meaningfully higher recidivism rates compared with CBT. In an attempt to explain the observed difference of IPV recidivism between these programs, we discuss theories for plausible psychological, sociological, psychophysiological, and neurological mechanisms responsible for this outcome. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).