Legal sanctions and treatment follow-through among men who batter: A multivariate analysis

Abstract

The relationship between legally mandated treatment and treatment follow-through was investigated in two studies of men who physically abused their partners. In the first study, demographic variables and the severity of violence were analyzed to determine their potential role in the overall lack of relationship previously found between mandated treatment and follow-through. In the second study, the type of criminal justice referral, either pro- or post-prosecution, was included in the analysis as were several attitude and psychological variables. The results revealed that demographic and violence factors did not significantly suppress the relationship between mandated referral and follow-through. However, a significant Interaction occurred in which mandated referral was related to completion for young men with a high school education or less. Probationary clients tended to have the lowest completion rate, which was statistically explained by demographic factors—in particular, unemployment. Policy and practice Implications of the results are discussed.