Cognitive-behaviour group therapy for men voluntary seeking help for intimate partner violence

Domestic violence is a major problem in society. In spite of this, there are few studies on the treatment of men who voluntarily seek help to stop their violent behaviour towards intimate partners. Most studies are performed on court-ordered individuals.

The objective of this study was to evaluate results of a manualized cognitive-behaviour group therapy for voluntarily treatment-seeking men, aware of and willing to change their abusive behaviour.

Thirty-six men recruited on a voluntary basis were offered a 15-week manualized group therapy. After initial assessment but before group therapy sessions they were randomly selected for immediate treatment or treatment after 4 months on a "waiting list". All 26 who started group therapy treatment fulfilled the programme. Changes in violent behaviour, before and after treatment, were assessed by self-reports using the Conflict Tactic Scales. Also, the men on the waiting list were compared after 4 months without treatment with the men receiving treatment immediately.

All kinds of self-reported partner related violence were significantly reduced by treatment, but being on a waiting list for 4 months did not reduce violent behaviour compared with those immediately receiving treatment. The results indicate that that the group treatment had an effect in itself beyond the wish and intention from the men to reduce their partner violence.