Improving Outcomes for Batterer Intervention Programs (BIP) in partnershipwith Pennsylvania State University

The efficacy of battering intervention programs (BIPs) has traditionally been assessed using recidivism data, such as re-arrest rates, and self-reports of re-assault. However, these metrics are limited and fail to capture the nuanced changes and learning outcomes that can occur within BIPs. Existing qualitative research indicates that BIP participants often report various pro-social benefits, including increased understanding of abuse, heightened self-awareness of abusive behaviors, enhanced accountability, improved healthy relationship behaviors, and better communication and de-escalation skills. This suggests that the true impact of BIPs may be more subtle and complex than what recidivism rates alone can reveal. Given this context, there is a pressing need to redefine success metrics for BIPs and develop “alternative” measures of efficacy that can comprehensively capture the incremental behavioral and attitudinal changes experienced by participants. To address this gap, the current project aims to develop a new framework for evaluating BIP efficacy that extends beyond traditional recidivism measures.