Publication year
2015
Citation Title
Male veteran intimate partner violence (IPV) program outcomes
Journal Name
Journal of Evidence-Informed Social Work
Journal Volume
13
Issue Number
2
Page Numbers
133-141
DOI
10.1080/23761407.2015.1006943
Summary
An examination of a psycho-educationally based treatment approach for male Veteran intimate partner violence (IPV) offenders was conducted. Pre and post-test domestic violence and abuse screen behavioral outcomes as well as program failure, and recidivism were analyzed. The study highlights the need for more intervention approaches for IPV offenders.
Key Findings
There were significant reductions in the frequency of physical abuse towards partners.
Participants were less likely to psychologically abuse their partner after completion of the program.
Participants didn’t exhibit as many controlling behaviors upon completion of the program.
Implications for Program Leaders
Continue providing domestic violence training opportunities for professionals working with Service members
Promote, across military branches, the benefits of intervention approaches for intimate partner violence offenders
Offer support groups for the victims of domestic violence
Implications for Policy Makers
Continue support for the unique challenges (e.g. intimate partner violence, post-traumatic stress disorder) faced by male Service members who were deployed in combat related missions
Encourage awareness among military professionals working with Service members on the importance of developing further treatment protocols for male Service member intimate partner violence offenders
Continue efforts to increase collaboration between the military branches and local communities to enhance treatment programs for Service member intimate partner violence offenders
Methods
Male Veterans were identified through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, and Cincinnati Adult Parole Authority.
Criteria for inclusion were Veteran status, completion of the domestic violence and abuse screen pre-test, completion of a psychosocial intake, agreement to a behavioral contract, and participation in Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Domestic Relations Clinic treatment.
Domestic violence and abuse behavioral checklist results were analyzed pre and post treatment for changes in abusive behaviors.
Participants
Participants were Veterans who were court mandated, addicted, formerly incarcerated, and on state and county probation.
Veterans served in multiple branches, with 46% having served in the Army, 25% Navy, 13% Air Force, and 14% Marines and Coast Guard.
The average age of participants was 45.6 years old, with 61% identifying as Black, 38% White, and .9% Hispanic.
178 participants were referred for treatment; however, only 131 successfully completed.
Limitations
Analyses conducted using the data collected through the domestic violence and abuse checklist were not explained; putting into question the results presented.
The study included only male Veteran intimate partner violence offenders in one location, which limits generalizability.
Post-program follow-up did not occur; therefore, the short and long-term outcomes of the treatment program were unknown.
Avenues for Future Research
Explore the relationship between domestic violence, military service, and culture
Evaluate how treatment program outcomes for male and female intimate partner violence offenders may differ
Conduct a longitudinal study of male Veteran intimate partner violence offenders post Domestic Relations Clinic treatment
Focus
Multiple Branches
Target Population
Population Focus
Military Branch
Abstract
The prominence and incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV) with male military veterans vary, but generally there is consensus that screening and intervention does help reduce IPV. Intervention is generally provided in the community via Batterer Intervention Programs. However, at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) intervention is provided via the Domestic Relations Clinic. Nationally the VA has limited treatment for male IPV. An aggregate sample (n _ 178) of participants was assessed using the Domestic Violence/Abuse Screen to measure covariate pre-test and post-test outcomes, program failure, and recidivism. The treatment approach is psycho-educationally based to meet the challenging and unique needs of the military veteran population. The results contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of IPV and highlight the need for more intervention and prevention approaches.
Abstract Document
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