| This study evaluated the Controlling Family Violence Group (CFVG)--a psychotherapeutic treatment group for court-mandated male perpetrators of domestic violence. The three groups of participants were: treatment completers, non-completers, and non-referred men. The primary dependent variable was pre- to post-group changes in reported assault and battery charges (obtained from court records). Other variables of interest were demographic data, domestic-related criminal history, relationship quality, assertiveness, and personality traits. The recidivism rate (i.e., one or more assault and battery charges post-group) was 39% for treatment completers and 33% for non-completers. Without implying a cause-effect relationship, both treatment completers and non-completers had fewer assault and battery charges post-group when compared to pre-group. While demographic variables did not predict changes in assault and battery charges, non-completers has greater use of alcohol than completers. Also, the three treatment groups could not be reliably distinguished by criminal history. The final set of results pertain to treatment completers only. Pre- to post-group changes in assertiveness were not predictive of pre- to post-group changes in relationship quality. At post-group assessment, treatment completers reported decreased conflict in their relationship, decreased assertiveness in social situations, increased comfort with verbal expression and assertion, and decreased comfort expressing negative emotions. Changes in relationship quality, assertiveness, and personality traits over the course of the group were not predictive of changes in assault and battery charges. Discussion of the results provides explanations, treatment recommendations, and suggestions for future research. |
