Criminal Thinking in a Sample of Men and Women Attending a Multi-Site Batterer Intervention Program

Abstract

The study investigated differences and similarities in criminal thinking between men and women attending a multi-site Batterer Intervention Program (BIP). Overall, rates of criminal thinking were low. However, the results of the multivariate analyses suggest that, after controlling for demographic characteristics (i.e., race, ethnicity, education, SES) and personal experiences (i.e., prior convictions, mental health problems, substance abuse, experience of abuse) female participants significantly differed from men in patterns of Power Orientation. If replicated by other studies, especially studies that use larger samples of women enrolled in BIPs, these findings may contribute to identifying rehabilitation programs that best address women’s needs.

Restorative Justice Treatment for Domestic Violence Crimes: A Qualitative Study

“…Women who are convicted of DV crimes in cases of IPV often also attend DVIPs, as do individuals convicted of DV crimes in cases of family violence (Mills et al, 2013), and a gender-neutral approach to DVIP has become common (Solinas-Saunders, & Stacer, 2022). Yet, the long-standing debate in the field as to whether programs should be implemented equally for all those mandated to treatment for a DV crime or should address gender differences remains ongoing (Solinas-Saunders, & Stacer, 2022).…”

“…This model provides guidance in shifting attitudes concerning the unequal distribution of power and control between genders, particularly in relation to IPV, thereby aiming to educate men in recognizing maladaptive behaviors and discovering nonviolent alternatives (Herman et al, 2014). Women who are convicted of DV crimes in cases of IPV often also attend DVIPs, as do individuals convicted of DV crimes in cases of family violence (Mills et al, 2013), and a gender-neutral approach to DVIP has become common (Solinas-Saunders, & Stacer, 2022). Yet, the long-standing debate in the field as to whether programs should be implemented equally for all those mandated to treatment for a DV crime or should address gender differences remains ongoing (Solinas-Saunders, & Stacer, 2022).…”

Randomized Clinical Trial of a Brief Alcohol Intervention as an Adjunct to Batterer Intervention for Women Arrested for Domestic Violence

“…The past 30 years witnessed a rise in the number of women arrested for domestic violence following implementation of mandatory arrest policies ( Chesney-Lind, 2002 ; Durfee, 2012 ; Henning et al, 2006 ). Women represent as many as 31% of all domestic violence arrests in some jurisdictions which has contributed to their increasing visibility in batterer intervention programs ( Hamel et al, 2017 ; Hirschel & Buzawa, 2002 ; Solinas-Saunders & Stacer, 2022 ). Women now comprise up to 25% of batterer intervention program participants, with comparable or more frequent psychological and physical intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration being reported by women relative to men enrolled in batterer interventions ( Busch & Rosenberg, 2004 ; Buttell et al, 2012 ; Dalton, 2007 ; Elmquist et al, 2014 ; Feder & Henning, 2005 ; Hamel et al, 2017 ).…”