The long term impacts of group treatment for partner abuse

Abstract

This paper evaluates Responsible Choices for Men, a 14-week therapy group for abusive men based on feminist perspectives using narrative methods. Pre-test and post-test information was available for 76 program completers measuring physical and non-physical abuse, self-esteem, perceived stress, family relations, depression, assertiveness, and sex-role beliefs. The men significantly improved on all variables. A further focus was following up with 22 group members, contacted 5 to 28 months post treatment and asked to complete the same measures. The results indicated not only maintenance of the post-group changes, but continued improvement. Clinical implications and recommendations for group programming with abusive men are presented.