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Online Program

325635
Women Offenders in Batterer Intervention Programs: Preceived Barriers and Concerns of Participants


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Kimberly Lent, MPH, Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Ngozichukwuka Agu, MBBS, MPH, Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Dana Goodlett, BA, Department of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Department of Community and Family Health, Tampa, FL
Carla L. VandeWeerd, PhD, Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Martha L. Coulter, DrPH MPH MSW, Department of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Tampa, FL
background: Domestic violence (DV) research has primarily focused on male perpetrators and female victims. However, crime statistics demonstrate a constant presence of women offenders and more women offenders have entered batterer intervention programs (BIPs). BIPs are typically designed around a male perpetrator model; a review of the literature identified a lack of data regarding women in BIPs. In the urban Florida county where this study occurred, approximately 15% of DV offenses were committed by women. This study was conducted to analyze the experiences of women offenders in BIPs, including the concerns and perceived barriers relating to program participation.

methods: Women were selected for participation from two BIP sites (n=39). Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with each participant. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and entered into ATLAS.ti software. Qualitative analysis included team-coding and theme identification.

results: Women reported several positive outcomes, such as gaining social support from the facilitator and other group members and a positive influence on their relationships. However, women also noted that the program lacked relevance when applied to their particular violent situations and offenses; many had a history of victimization. The inability for one-on-one treatment time with the provider was another concern. Challenges mentioned included transportation, childcare, conflicts with work schedules, the attendance policy, and the cost of the program.

conclusion: Women described various concerns and barriers relating to BIPs. Further research is needed to understand the unique role and experiences of women offenders, as well as the effectiveness of current BIP models on this subpopulation of perpetrators.

Learning Areas:

Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Analyze and describe the experiences of women offenders in BIPS, with a focus on the concerns and perceived barriers relating to program participation

Keyword(s): Domestic Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am currently a PhD student in the Department of Community and Family Health with a focus on maternal and child health. Research I have participated in have been focused on the family violence and child health. I have a background medical degree and a demonstrated research interest in the impact of family violence on child health and violence prevention. Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4192.0: Family Violence Prevention Caucus Poster Session 1