Domestic Violence Offenders: Current Interventions, Research and Implications for Policies and...

Domestic Violence Offenders: Current Interventions, Research and Implications for Policies and Standards edited by Robert A. Geffner, Ph.D., ABPN, and Alan Rosenbaum, Ph.D., Haworth Press, 2001, 293 pp.

As the title suggests, Domestic Violence Offenders is intended for service providers and

stakeholders charged with considering standards development for working with domestic violence offenders. Many states and jurisdictions now mandate at least some standards and policies for the type of intervention that is required for those who are convicted of or plead guilty to domestic violence. This volume has been developed to serve as a guideline for the development of sane, safe and reasonable standards. It is a collection of articles written by experts from all segments of the batterer intervention field. The purpose of the articles is not to offer a specific set of model standards, but to raise the consciousness regarding the issues that must be considered in setting standards and to suggest a process for considering standards.

A primary function of standards is to promote victim safety and a coordinated response to domestic violence. A considerable amount of debate is given to the value of standards leading to intervention program certification, while cautioning that they may inhibit the development of innovative approaches. A number of articles describe diversity of program components such as individual versus group size, length of intervention, and leadership gender, culture and education/training level are discussed. Various types of interventions are suggested along with their pros and cons. What impacts program design are the characteristic differences among men who batter and it is suggested that intervention be matched for what works with what type of offender and under what circumstances. Relapse measurement is critical. Monitoring compliance with standards is a potentially costly endeavor.

Included in this debate is the role of research. Research is prescribed as the primary source of information for making decisions about policy and standard setting. Current research is shown not to be without concerns. Research on men who batter their partners, as well as research on treatment, has been published for little more than 15 years and is still considered in its infancy. Another issue of more recent concern involves females arrested for domestic violence. Motivation for female violence is explored in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. The field needs to be prepared to re-examine policy and standards as new research emerges.

Cited as sources of knowledge to guide the development of standards are battered women's advocates, best practice of experienced programs, and shared values and community consensus. Articles describe the development of operations guidelines through the use of task forces. These recommend committees with broad-based membership comprising policy-makers, judges, prosecutors, parole and probation administrators, domestic violence victim and offender service providers, and sexual assault service providers. An example is given through an overview of the Abuser Intervention: The Maryland Model in its development of operating guidelines. Maryland's goal is to serve as a national model for a scientific approach to abuser intervention program practice and standards.

The editors also give attention to the historical perspective of domestic violence treatment and the diversity of programs as a basis on which to define standards and policy. Several articles are devoted to the description of program development, diversity of those programs and batterer characteristics. Studies presented suggest these factors are important in setting standards. Terms used in the field are well defined and resources are generously sited throughout the book.

Besides its obvious relevance to those setting or re-evaluating standards of treatment, Domestic Violence Offenders will be of interest to anyone working with domestic violence. The wide range of domestic violence treatment issues and concerns debated through citing of up-to-date research articles and position papers provide a wide interest base.

AUTHOR_AFFILIATION

Reviewed by Donna J. Klein-Acosta, criminal justice consultant, and retired deputy director of the Illinois Department of Corrections.