The impact of na intervention program on abusive intimate behaviors, self‑esteem, and self‑concept of male perpetrators of intimate partner violence

Objectives This study examines the effectiveness of a multimodal perpetrator
intervention program (PIP) on intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators’
self-reported abusive behaviors, self-esteem, and self-concept.
Methods A sample of 53 male IPV perpetrators, both court- and self-referred to a
community-based PIP, were assigned to one of two conditions: intervention condition
(IC; n = 38) and waiting list control condition (WLCC; n = 15). Data on self-reported
intimate violence, self-esteem, and self-concept were collected at baseline, post-test,
and 6-month follow-up. The Reliable Change Index (RCI) was also computed.
Results A considerable percentage of IC participants end or substantially reduce their
abusive behavior (reoffending self-reported rates were 10.7% at post-treatment and
12.5% at follow-up). IC participants increase self-esteem and self-concept. Changes
were maintained at follow-up. Significant differences were found between the groups,
with IC participants reporting reductions in abusive behaviors, scoring higher on selfesteem
and self-concept, and revealing greater clinical changes than WLCC participants.
Conclusions These findings suggest that multimodal interventions improve
self-esteem and self-concept and reduce IPV perpetration.
FCT -Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia(SFRH/BD/66110/2009)