The weak evidence for batterer program alternatives

In the midst of the debate over batterer program effectiveness, several alternative approaches have been promoted: psychodynamic treatment for attachment disorders, diversified programming for batterer types, motivational techniques addressing readiness to change, specialized counseling for African-American men, and couples counseling for mutual violence. A critical overview of the research on these alternative approaches exposes weak or insufficient supporting evidence. There is also strong generic evidence for the predominant cognitive-behavioral approach in batterer programs, and a focus on system implementation might account for improved outcomes. While the innovations are encouraging, an “evidence-based practice” for batterers has yet to be clearly established.

Research highlights► Research on attachment disorders is based primarily on batterer characteristics. ► Batterer types may be more an artifact of dimensions or tendencies. ► Stage of change is not a strong predictor of program outcomes. ► Culturally-oriented approaches have, as yet, little substantiating outcome research. ► The few studies of couples counseling have been with highly selective samples.