Citation

Zarling A, Bannon S, Berta M, Russell D. Psychol. Violence 2020; 10(6): 667-675.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/vio0000292

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: A novel acceptance and commitment therapy-based program (Achieving Change Through Values-Based Behavior [ACTV]) demonstrated preliminary feasibility and effectiveness in reducing repeat domestic violence. Previously, we examined 1-year recidivism rates in a sample of 3,474 men arrested for domestic assault and court mandated to either ACTV or Duluth/cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) from 2011 to 2013 (Zarling, Bannon, & Berta, 2019). The current study examined 5-year reoffending for this same sample.

METHOD: Criminal justice data were obtained, including incidence and frequency of new criminal charges (any charges, violent charges, and domestic violence charges) for the full sample as well as only treatment completers. Survival analyses were conducted to estimate time to reoffense.

RESULTS: The results were largely consistent with the 1-year outcomes, with ACTV participants less likely to acquire any violent charges or domestic violence charges. However, the groups did not differ in terms of general criminal charges at the 5-year mark for the full sample. Also, there were differences in the "survival time" between groups, such that Duluth/CBT participants acquired new charges faster than ACTV participants.

CONCLUSION: ACTV appears to maintain its effect over 5 years postintervention. Recidivism rates for both ACTV and Duluth/CBT in terms of any charges are higher compared with violent charges and could indicate a need for batterers' intervention programs to address criminogenic needs. Implications for intervention are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)

Language: en