RESEARCH

ONGOING RESEARCH

  • A Randomized Study Comparing Batterer Intervention and Alternative Treatment Approaches for Domestic Violence Offenders (2010-2014)

This National Science Foundation-funded study uses a randomized controlled design to compare the traditional criminal justice response to domestic violence cases with hybrid alternative approaches in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Traditionally, most people convicted of a domestic violence offense are ordered to attend group-education sessions in Batterer Intervention Programs (BIP). Now, working with local judges and a local treatment provider, researchers at NYU’s Center on Violence and Recovery and the University of Utah are examining the effectiveness of BIP plus two alternative methods of treatment, a restorative justice approach called Circles of Peace (CP) and a conjoint treatment approach called Couples Conflict Group (CCG)., as supplements to the BIP-only approach. CP provides weekly circles or conferences, encouraging behavioral and attitudinal change, and includes participation from willing victims, family members, and trained community members. CCG offers a forum for multiple couples to address their abuse histories by engaging in group discussions in which they receive and offer help from and to other members. The study is being conducted in two parts over a four-year period. 

Part I randomizes all eligible intimate partner and family violence (adults only) offenders into either: a BIP only program or BIP plus CP program. The protocol for Part I of the study can be seen here.

Part II randomizes only intimate partner violence cases in which the victim is willing to participate in treatment since one of the treatments, CCG, requires victims to participate in treatment with the offender.  Randomization for Part II will be into: BIP only, BIP plus CP, or BIP plus CCG.  

  • An In-Depth Examination of Batterer Intervention and Alternative Treatment Approaches for Domestic Violence Offenders (2012-2015)

This National Institute of Justice-funded study complements Part II of the 2010 National Science Foundation-funded study. The study focuses on intimate partner cases in which the victim is willing to participate in treatment with the offender. Using a variety of data collection methods, this NIJ-supported study will offer critical findings that go beyond what the NSF quantitative study will provide. Case record reviews, video recording of select treatment sessions, and interviews with offenders and victims, will allow the researchers to test emerging theories that CP and CCG may be viable alternatives to a BIP-only approach and to ensure that safety concerns are being addressed. 

 

PAST RESEARCH

  • A Comparison Study of Batterer Intervention and Restorative Justice Programs for Domestic Violence Offenders (2005-2009)

This National Science Foundation-funded study on treatment programs for domestic violence offenders in Nogales, Arizona, compared a traditional batterer intervention program with a Circle-based restorative justice approach.

The results indicate that a restorative justice treatment approach can be a viable and safe option for domestic violence offenders. Furthermore, the findings suggest that victim participation in restorative justice is not dangerous per se and falsify the claim that it is dangerous to use restorative justice for domestic violence. An article on this study is currently under review with an academic journal.

  • Public Safety Trauma Response Study (2004-2008)

Police work involves many stressors and traumas. This study, funded by the Department of Homeland Security, examined the two peer support programs available to New York City Police Department officers: Early Intervention Unit (EIU), an internal program, and Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance (POPPA), an external program. 

Specifically, the study examined police utilization of the peer programs and police management of cumulative day-to-day work stress and traumatic stress. Study results revealed that both programs are promising modes of recovery and resiliency. EIU provides an important structure for addressing police officers' needs in the workplace. POPPA provides an important safety net for police officers who might otherwise not seek help in the workplace. The two programs provide models for replication nationally and internationally for police officers and other first responders.

  • Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Emergency Personnel (2007-2008)

This study funded by the Department of Defense examined the implementation of the "Resiliency Support Program," known as "RSP," which was started by the Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance (POPPA).  The overall purpose of RSP is to help police officers in the New York City Police Department (NYPD) prevent the onset of psychological distress and/or detect psychological symptoms at the earliest possible moment.  

The study results showed there is a need for ongoing support and this group approach normalizes officers' feelings.  RSP is primed to change police culture and make help seeking a sign of strength.

For more information please contact cvr.research@nyu.edu.

 

 

 

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