Longitudinal Treatment Effectiveness Outcomes of a Group Intervention for Women and Children Exposed to Domestic Violence

Abstract

Social support can moderate negative effects of domestic violence for exposed women and children. Also, interventions targeting exposed women and children simultaneously have been shown to be more effective than those focused on children only. Since group interventions can provide such support, our study examined the effectiveness of a 10-week community-based psycho-educational group intervention for women and children. Mothers' (n = 36) and children 's outcomes (n = 20) were assessed preintervention and 3-and 6-months postintervention. High attrition limited significant findings but maternal outcomes were in the expected direction. Methodological implications and barriers to intervention research are discussed.

Mothers and Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: A Review of Treatment Interventions

“…Often these were held at the same time and at the same location. Four of these interventions [ 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ] implemented 10- or 12-week, broadly psychoeducational programs lasting on average one hour. Sessions for mothers focused on topics including: parenting skills and appropriate praising/reprimanding; positive expression of emotion; enhancing self-esteem and mental well-being; promoting prosocial child behavior; safety planning; setting goals for the future; and how to create and maintain successful interactions.…”

“…All 17 interventions conducted pre- and post-assessments, eight of which combined these with follow-up assessments ranging from 3 months [ 38 ] to 2 years [ 45 ]. A total of 34 different outcome measures were used in these interventions (16 for mothers, 18 for children).…”

Effects of a Psychoeducational Group Intervention for Children Victims of Sexual Abuse

“…Directly interviewing families who dropout of treatment prematurely may help identify possible perceived barriers to treatment completion. A recent study found that for those invited to participate in an intervention designed for motherchild dyads exposed to domestic violence, transportation and child care were identified as the significant barriers to group participation (Basu, Malone, Levendosky, & Dubay, 2009). Such results offer relevant cues for future dispensation of services.…”

Effects of a Group-Based Intervention on Psychological Health and Perceived Parenting Capacity among Mothers Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): A Preliminary Study

“…PTSD remitted in almost 90% of the mothers directly after treatment, and the gains were maintained at follow-up (Kubany et al, 2004). Less successful results were reported from a study with a group intervention for mothers' and their children subjected to IPV, rates of depression and general psychiatric symptoms in mothers were not significantly improved (Basu, Malone, Levendosky, & Dubay, 2007). However, cognitive-behavioral treatments might be preferable to supportive counseling and nonspecific therapies when it comes to reducing symptoms of PTSD (Cloitre, 2009).…”