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Abstract: 

This article describes a study designed to evaluate the efficacy of a batterer intervention program using Cognitive Accountability Training (CAT). Using a sample of male offenders who were court mandated to attend the 26-week program, the authors investigated clients’ propensity to reoffend by analyzing court records six months after completion of the program (or 1 year after program enrollment for non-completers). The multivariate analysis indicates that clients who completed the program successfully were less likely than non-completers to reoffend within one year of enrolling in the program. In addition, non-white clients were more likely to reoffend than their white counterparts. Similarly, those who had experienced incarceration prior to the current enrollment were more likely to reoffend than those who had not been incarcerated. The findings suggest that more culturally competent interventions may be needed to address the needs of clients from different subcultural groups. Although the CAT program appears to be successful, with only 10% of clients rearrested for a violent offense one year after enrollment, psychoeducation alone may not be the most appropriate intervention for repeat offenders who are most at risk of program non-completion and/or reoffense.

Keywords: Domestic violence, intimate partner violence, batterer intervention, male offenders, program non-completion, reoffending

Affiliations:  1: Indiana University Northwest; 2: Ball State University.