Complex behavioral patterns and trajectories of domestic violence offenders

Violence Vict. 2010;25(1):3-17. doi: 10.1891/0886-6708.25.1.3.

Abstract

Evidence-based practice within the criminal justice system has relied primarily on cumulative reports of reassaults or rearrests, especially in evaluating effectiveness of domestic violence (DV) interventions. We use a longitudinal sample of DV offenders arrested and referred to DV offender programs in four cities to examine complex multi-outcome patterns of violent and abusive behavior and trajectories between patterns over time. Offenders and their partners were surveyed at program intake and followed for 15 months (N = 550). A Hidden Markov Model identifies four distinct behavioral patterns. Trajectory analysis indicates that the most abusive state is relatively stable and indicative of a high probability of future physical assault. Results suggest that evaluation based on complex outcomes may improve criminal justice intervention effectiveness, risk assessment, and risk management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Courtship / psychology
  • Criminal Law / organization & administration
  • Criminals / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Criminals / psychology*
  • Dangerous Behavior
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Markov Chains
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • Risk Assessment
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Sexual Partners / psychology*
  • Spouse Abuse / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology*
  • Spouse Abuse / rehabilitation*
  • Spouses / psychology*
  • Time Factors