Interventions with female domestic violence perpetrators: A failed approach?

Background: The intent of batterers intervention programs is to reduce incidence of future intimate partner assaults. Because there have been concerns about the appropriateness of the interventions for women offenders, this study evaluates outcomes in terms of completion and recidivism for women offenders in comparison to all offenders in one countywide batterer intervention program in Florida.

Methods: Data containing demographic information and completion rates for the period of January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2006 were provided for women offenders (N=1367) referred to batterers intervention. These data were compared to information provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on rearrests for both domestic violence crimes and other offenses.

Results: Program completion rates for females beginning intervention were 59%. Their overall recidivism rate (measured by rearrests) for domestic violence crimes was 50% for those who completed the program, and 47% for those who did not. For non-domestic violence crimes, the overall recidivism rate was approximately 76% for completers and 88% for non-completers. Compared to program participants overall, women completed programs at lower rates, and their recidivism rates were higher.

Conclusion: This analysis suggests that women are not benefitting from batterers intervention programs, which are more effective with men, underscoring the need for programs specifically designed for women and their particular needs.