Beyond Violence: Results from a Multi-Stage Research Process

• In Event: Beyond Violence: An Intervention for Women with Violent Offenses

Abstract

Although women comprise only 5% of those sentenced for a violent offense, nearly a third of all women in state correctional facilities are incarcerated because of a conviction for an assaultive offense. Interventions specific to women who engaged in aggressive or violent behavior are scarce or have not been empirically tested with women. Beyond Violence, a trauma-informed and gender specific curriculum developed for women with histories of violent offenses/behavior, was developed in 2010 and pilot tested in 2011. Initial positive results were used to modify the curriculum and a randomized control was implemented with the modified curriculum in a Midwestern state prison during 2012. Women were randomly assigned to either 'treatment as usual' (Assaultive Offender Programming) or Beyond Violence. Significant gains between pre and post-test measures were demonstrated in both groups. There were decreases in mental health symptoms associated with depression, anxiety and PTSD and lower scores on negative expressions of anger. However, Beyond Violence was delivered in 20 sessions, compared to the 44 sessions in the TAU, resulting in a substantial cost savings for the department. Researchers will also share the preliminary long term outcomes associated with recidivism and relapse while on parole.

Author

• Sheryl Pimlott Kubiak, Michigan State University