Treatment Programs for Individuals who have Perpetrated Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

This paper focuses on treatment programs for individuals who have perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV). Factors that contribute to IPV are explored as well as the current treatment models in Canada and the United States. Implications of this research suggest that future treatment programs should include categorizing individuals who have perpetrated IPV into subgroups. These subgroups should be based on the individual's presenting issues in addition to IPV perpetration. Examples of subgroups include individuals who might the criteria for substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, those low in psychopathy, and those high in psychopathy. Future research should focus on the piloting of specialized treatment programs based on their subgroup assignment and treat presenting issues simultaneously to increase efficacy.