What Works in reducing intimate partner violence recidivism

Abstract

Violence toward an intimate or ex-intimate partner has been referred to as domestic violence and/or abuse. This chapter sets out to explore how traditional explanations of IPV fit the evidence-based literature and guide interventions that aim to reduce recidivism. In doing so, it highlights the gender-inclusive and bi-directional nature of intimate partner violence (IPV) and the complexities that need to be considered to inform treatment design. Next, the chapter describes how feminist theory, which has driven the design of commonly used interventions, is not compatible with the evidence and has poor outcomes in terms of preventing recidivism. Throughout this chapter, the wider term IPV Intervention Programmes (IIPs) will be used to capture all IPV interventions that are conducted with men who have perpetrated any form of IPV. The chapter also concentrates on research on the efficacy of IIPs in reducing men's recidivism.