Predictors of Treatment Completion and Recidivism Among Intimate Partner Violence Offenders

Abstract

This study examined the variables that predicted completion of an AMEND-Emerge-based program designed to treat men (n = 202) who had engaged in intimate partner violence and the rates of recidivism among those who completed versus those who failed to complete the program. Data were collected from an archival database that housed historical and demographic data on each participant; recidivism was determined by accessing publicly available court records, and was defined very broadly as any charges filed within a year after participating in the program. Overall recidivism for this sample was low (22.28%). Demographic factors demonstrated to correctly classify post-treatment recidivism included age, race, and relationship status. Whereas those who completed the program had lower recidivism than non-completers, the differences between those groups in age, race, and relationship status suggest that features of the program may not address the needs of younger African Americans who are not married.