The Need for a Holistic Approach to Specialized Domestic Violence Court Programming: Evaluating Offender Rehabilitation Needs and Recidivism

Abstract

ABSTRACT This quasi‐experimental historical outcome study is based on the Domestic Violence Repeat Offender Program (DVROP) housed within the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The treatment group includes data for 100 male domestic violence offenders collected between July 1, 2004 and November 30, 2006. A strictly matched group of 100 males who were technically eligible but who were not served by the DVROP made up the comparison. Using NCIC data as an outcome measure, the results of the study show that DVROP participants are significantly less likely to receive subsequent charges for domestic violence, other violent offenses, or any other criminal offense. The study draws conclusions about the extensive collateral needs of the offender population and draws attention to the need for a holistic approach to special offender populations.