Duluth Model

Theoretical and research support for the Duluth Model: A reply to Dutton and Corvo.
Gondolf, Edward W.
Aggression and Violent Behavior, Vol 12(6), Nov, 2007. pp. 644-657.
Abstract:
In a recent article, D. Dutton and K. Corvo (see record 2006-10310-003) denounce and reject the so-called Duluth Model of batterer intervention based on cognitive-behavioral counseling, reinforcement from the criminal justice system, and coordination of additional community services. They not only accuse it of being ineffective and detrimental to progress in the field, but assert that its supporters are merely acting out of ideological and activist motivations. These authors call for research-based treatment that is more psychotherapeutic in nature, along with a diminished role of the criminal justice system and more attention to women’s violence. The authors, however, are highly selective in the research they use to substantiate their position and apply their own activist biases to its interpretation. Their portrayal of the Duluth Model, and the fundamentals it represents, is a distorted caricature of its current conception. There is psychological theory and criminal justice research that support the Duluth Modeland its utility. Moreover, developments in the field contradict the claims that the Duluth Model has an ‘iron-clad’ hold that is impeding progress. The categorical condemnations in the Dutton and Corvo article shut-off needed dialogue and debate rather than further those developments.

The Duluth model: A data-impervious paradigm and a failed strategy.
Dutton, Donald G. and Corvo, Kenneth.
Aggression and Violent Behavior, Vol 12(6), Nov, 2007. pp. 658-667.
Abstract:
W. Gondolf (see record 2007-16411-003) has criticized our review (see record 2006-10310-003) as being selective and suggests that the Duluth model is more promising than we had concluded. We note that his own outcome study showed a failure rate for a Duluth program of 40%–identical to the mean rate of the studies we reviewed. We see his critiques as representative of the very mindset we described in our original paper–that of the gender paradigm. We review some of the shortcomings of Gondolf’s critique as representative of this mindset. Our conclusion about the failure of the Duluth program remains unchanged.

Interventions for intimate partner violence: Review and implications for evidence-based practice.
Stover, Carla Smith, et. al.
Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Vol 40(3), Jun, 2009. Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence. pp. 223-233.
Abstract:
The objective of this article was to survey available intimate partner violence (IPV) treatment studies with (a) randomized case assignment, and (b) at least 20 participants per group. Studies were classified into 4 categories according to primary treatment focus: perpetrator, victim, couples, or child-witness interventions. The results suggest that extant interventions have limited effect on repeat violence, with most treatments reporting minimal benefit above arrest alone. There is a lack of research evidence for the effectiveness of the most common treatments provided for victims and perpetrators of IPV, including the Duluth model for perpetrators and shelter–advocacy approaches for victims. Rates of recidivism in most perpetrator- and partner-focused treatments are approximately 30% within 6 months, regardless of intervention strategy used. Couples treatment approaches that simultaneously address problems with substance abuse and aggression yield the lowest recidivism rates, and manualized child trauma treatments are effective in reducing child symptoms secondary to IPV. This review shows the benefit of integrating empirically validated substance abuse and trauma treatments into IPV interventions and highlights the need for more work in this area.

ASGW best practice guidelines: An evaluation of the Duluth Model.
Pender, Rebecca L.
Journal for Specialists in Group Work, Vol 37(3), Sep, 2012. pp. 218-231.
Abstract:
Group work is often a preferred method of intervention when treating perpetrators of domestic violence. The Domestic Abuse Intervention Project Duluth Model is one of the most common treatment programs for men who have perpetrated domestic violence (Pence & Paymar, 2003), yet the intervention remains highly debated within the literature. This article reviews the status of the debate and offers an analysis of the Duluth Model through the lens of the Association for Specialists in Group Work Best Practice Guidelines (2008). In addition, this article provides suggestions for the use of group work methodology to enhance understanding related to the benefits and limitations of the Duluth Model.

Outcomes from a Duluth model batterer intervention program at completion and long term follow-up.
Herman, Katharine, et. al.
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, Vol 53(1), Jan, 2014. pp. 1-18.
Abstract:
This study examined changes in the beliefs and behaviors of 156 offenders who participated in a Duluth modelbatterer intervention program. Sixty-seven percent of the participants completed both baseline and post intervention assessments of verbal, emotional, and physical aggression. Archival follow-up data, acquired approximately 9 years after completion of the program, were obtained from public records and were used to compare recidivism among program completers and noncompleters. Program completion was not associated with decreased levels of recidivism, which was defined as any violent crime. The results revealed that over one third of the participants from this batterer intervention program eventually reoffended. This finding is consistent with most existing research in this area, and suggests the need for more effective and coordinated individual, group, and community-wide interventions as well as more randomized controlled trials. Batterers who completed the 24-week program, however, did report decreases in physical and verbal aggression at the postassessment period. Limitations of this local program evaluation project and implications for future batterer intervention research are discussed.

Intimate partner violence and the Duluth Model: An examination of the model and recommendations for future research and practice.
Bohall, Greg, et.al.
Journal of Family Violence, Vol 31(8), Nov, 2016. pp. 1029-1033.
Abstract:
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health concern. Given the complexity of the act of violence coupled with the difficulty of stabilizing the perpetrator and victim, assessment and intervention continue to be substandard. The Duluth Model is the predominant intervention for perpetrators of IPV; however, it continues to be controversial and has received significant criticism due to its narrow scope. The objective of this article is to identify the components of the Duluth Model and compare to the advances in behavioral sciences in order to implement a change in treatment for perpetrators of IPV.