An Examination of an Empirically Based Risk Assessment for Batterer Intervention Treatment Assignment in Colorado

• In Event: Batterer Intervention Program Evaluation

Abstract

Using the risk, needs, responsivity literature and recidivism research on risk factors for domestic violence offenders, Colorado’s Domestic Violence Offender Management Board has developed a novel assessment for determining domestic violence offender placement in differential treatment , the Domestic Violence Risk Needs Assessment (DVRNA). The DVRNA is currently used to assign domestic violence offenders to one of three “levels” of differentiated treatment The current study uses a large sample of domestic violence offenders assigned to treatment under the purview of the DVRNA to examine the likelihood of treatment completion across the different levels of treatment, the predictors of treatment completion, and the reasons for treatment failure. Implications for the use of empirically based risk assessments for batterer intervention treatment will be discussed and areas for future research will be reviewed.

Authors

• Angela Gover, University of Colorado, Denver

• Tara Richards, University of Baltimore

• Cheryl Davis, Domestic Violence Offender Management Board (Colorado)

• Jesse Hansen, Colorado Division of Criminal Justice

• Elizabeth Tomsich, Texas A&M International University