Evaluation of a community based programme for male perpetrators of intimate partner violence : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Albany

Abstract

Treatment for perpetrators of Intimate partner violence (IPV) is most often provided by community based IPV perpetrator programmes. These programmes have become an integral part of the response to IPV despite the fact that they are plagued by high rates of attrition and researchers suggest their effectiveness may be limited. It has been suggested that the retention rates and effectiveness of the programmes may be improved by tailoring treatment to specific subgroups of IPV perpetrators. This study was an evaluation of a community based IPV perpetrator programme. Participants were twenty two male IPV perpetrators who were court and not court ordered to treatment for violence towards a female intimate partner. Only seven participants completed the programme. Their self reported incidents of violence, alcohol consumption, change readiness and levels of working alliance were measured up to four times during the 18 week programme. Results indicated that participants who completed the programme or the majority of it significantly reduced their violence towards intimate partners and their levels of alcohol consumption. Higher levels of violence were associated with alcohol abuse and non court ordered status. As expected, court ordered participants reported lower levels of readiness to change and working alliance, and higher levels of alcohol abuse. However they were more likely to complete the programme compared with non court ordered participants. Implications of these findings are discussed.