Client Retention in Community Treatment: Completer and Noncompleter Experiences of an Individualized, Needs-Based Partner Abuse Intervention Program

Abstract

There has been increased interest in the subjective experiences of participants of community Partner Abuse Intervention Programmes (PAIPs). In the context of high attrition rates, qualitative research is needed to understand the factors associated with sustained engagement and drop-out. Using a community non-mandated PAIP, the current study is a rare investigation of the experiences of both completers and non-completers. We explored i) the differences between completers' and non-completers' perceptions of the treatment process, ii) the reasons for sustained programme engagement, and iii) the perceived outcomes of treatment. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 14 participants, nine completers and five non-completers. The majority of participants were referred by children's social care, and were unemployed at the time of interview. The interviews were conducted by research staff independent from the treatment-providing organisation. Three themes emerged from the data, these were: (i.) Treatment as Challenging Yet Enlightening; (ii.) the Importance of a Well-timed and Safe Therapeutic Environment; and (iii.) Improved Emotional Selfmanagement Due to Treatment. Results highlighted how structured individualised sessions, underpinned by a strong therapeutic-alliance with facilitators, helped participants increase their interpersonal problem-solving and communication skills. The study reinforced the importance of developing a therapeutic alliance and providing structured individualised treatment characterised by flexibility and accessibility. Non-completion was perceived as related to known risk factors and treatment readiness. Therefore, it may be beneficial to employ screening measures to monitor these factors. Future research should use larger, more diverse samples to further investigate subjective experiences of PAIP completers and, particularly, non-completers to enhance the limited literature in this area.

Dropout among perpetrators of intimate partner violence attending an intervention program

“…Concerning motivation, results are mixed. While some studies reported that low motivation is related with dropout (e.g., Bennett et al, 2007;Pearson et al, 2020), others suggest that the stage of change was not related with intervention completion (e.g., Mach et al, 2017). Although only a few studies assessed the role of external factors on perpetrators' dropout (e.g., Gondolf & Foster, 1991;DeHart et al, 1999;Timko et al, 2015), it was found that men who paid more fees were more likely to attend more sessions.…”