Preliminary examination of a mutual intimate partner violence intervention among treatment-mandated couples

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread global health problem. Despite growing evidence indicating that men and women commit IPV, most traditional interventions focus on male-to-female violence and do not address mutual violence. This circumscribed focus represents one potential reason traditional treatments have had only a modest effect on recidivism. The current study investigated a pilot intervention for mutually violent couples with ethnically diverse, treatment-mandated men and women. Using a longitudinal design, 121 couples were assessed (semistructured clinical interview, Conflict Tactics Scale-Revised [CTS-2]) and mandated to either the pilot intervention or another community agency. Of the 92 couples referred for the 12-week, pilot group intervention (plus 1-2 preparatory, individual sessions), 89% of couples had one or both partners complete. Posttreatment assessments were conducted (CTS-2, satisfaction ratings), anticipating reductions in perpetrated and received IPV among treatment completers. Using 1-year conviction data to assess recidivism (IPV and general violence convictions), it was hypothesized that the lowest recidivism rates would be found when both partners completed, intermediate rates when one partner completed, and the highest rates when neither completed. Consistent with hypotheses, men who completed treatment reported reduced perpetration of physical assault and received less injury, and women who completed reported receiving less physical assault and injury. At 1-year follow-up, couples who completed had lower recidivism rates, with couples in which both partners completed evidencing the best outcomes. Results provide preliminary support for the proposed mutual violence intervention. Clinical implications, including the effect of a thorough assessment and tailored treatment recommendations, are discussed.