Therapeutic Environment and Outcomes in a U.K. Domestic Violence Perpetrator Program

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which variations in program delivery affect the therapeutic environment and whether the therapeutic environment is associated with psychological and behavioral outcomes in a domestic violence perpetrator program. Seventy-seven offenders and 31 probation group tutors participated. It was found that groups with longer sessions were perceived more favorably by offenders than those with shorter sessions. A positive correlation was identified between group organization and offender attendance. No association between the therapeutic environment and posttreatment alleged reoffending within an 11-month follow-up period was identified. A supportive leader style was positively associated with the extent of clinically significant change identified on a range of psychological measures. These findings suggest that profeminist programs may exert a meaningful therapeutic effect.