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Intimate partner and sexual violence (IPV and SV) remain significant public health problems for young women and men, and both IPV and SV have short and long-term psychological and physical health impacts for all. Through consistent direction and support from Centers for Disease Control's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), IPV/SV violence prevention research has shown its potential to prevent these forms of violence. This change is highly significant; many did not believe it was possible to prevent rape and intimate partner violence. In recognition of this emerging field of study, the 2013 Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act required US public colleges to provide bystander-based training to reduce sexual violence, yet no requirement for evaluation of this recommendation was included in this law. Further, while bystander approaches are recognized as "promising prevention strategies" by the 2014 White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault, few rigorous and sufficiently powered studies evaluate the efficacy of bystander programs to reduce violence victimization and perpetration at college and community levels. The papers in this special issue catalogue methods, measures, and outcomes to guide successful implementation and investigations of bystander prevention programs, considering demographic and situational contexts that have traditionally been understudied. Lessons learned from these investigations provide a roadmap of strategies to guide the next generation of researchers, program developers, and policymakers toward effective interpersonal violence prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing interest in working at the intersections of intimate partner violence (IPV) and violence against children (VAC), especially in the family, yet few programmatic strategies exist or have been evaluated to assess the combined impact of strategies on both types of violence. This paper addresses this gap by exploring the influence that Indashyikirwa—a programme designed to reduce IPV in Rwanda— had on VAC in the families of couples participating in the programme. Indashyikirwa included a 21-session couples' curriculum, safe spaces for IPV survivors, and community activism against violence. In addition to reductions in IPV, a randomized control trial found significant reductions in parent's reports of children witnessing IPV, parents' attitudes condoning harsh physical punishment of children, and parents' use of corporal punishment as discipline. This paper uses qualitative data to better understand how and why the couples' curriculum influenced parenting and VAC. Twenty-eight participants (fourteen male-female couples) were individually interviewed at three time points, once before and twice after the couples' curriculum implementation. Six men and six women who completed the curriculum and subsequently carried out activism were also interviewed at two time points. The data were analyzed thematically. Pathways motivating couples' attitude and behavior changes towards children included reflecting on the consequences of IPV for children and appreciating the benefits for children of non-violent, gender equitable households. This analysis suggests that working with co-habiting couples presents a viable strategy for working to prevent IPV, VAC and promote more gender equitable family dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As mandated by the 2013 Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act, bystander programs to reduce sexual and intimate partner violence are being adopted in college communities throughout the United States. However, little is currently known about how bystander programs are selected, implemented and experienced by staff and students. In the Multi-College Bystander Efficacy Evaluation (mcBEE) project, we seek to evaluate the relative efficacy of bystander programs at multiple college campuses. In this paper, we describe our mixed methods strategies as a critical first step in achieving our overall goal. We are employing a multi-phase mixed methods triangulation design to gather qualitative and quantitative data on bystander programming and intervention components at 24 college campuses. Specific methods include website reviews of campus programming and staff (Phase 1), web-based key informant surveys (Phase 2), and key informant interviews (Phase 3) over the four-year study period. To date, Phase 1 of data collection is complete and Phases 2 and 3 are ongoing. Survey and key informant interview data will shed light on campus decision-making processes for the adoption of bystander programs and provide program implementation, dose, and fidelity data over time. Data from each phase is being integrated to determine specific bystander intervention components at each campus that will inform analyses measuring relative program efficacy. This paper outlines the protocol and methods for a large-scale evaluation of college-based bystander program efficacy using a multi-phase mixed methods design with multiple forms of data triangulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This methods paper describes the fractional factorial design within the context of an evaluation of campus bystander programming. Prior evaluations include relative program comparisons, but do not reflect campus implementation of specific aspects of prevention programming. Campuses use combinations of programs, delivered across modalities, audiences, intensity, and degrees of requirement. Bystander program evaluation, in a natural experiment, must consider combinations of these components. This evaluation offers a novel application of the fractional factorial framework, considering combinations of program components, as implemented, within a multi-campus quasi-experimental design. Leveraging qualitative data, cluster analysis provides an initial identification of bystander program component combinations, mapped to experimental conditions. SAS v9.4 PROC FACTEX constructs possible fractional factorial designs to estimate main effects. From key informant interviews, primary program components are determined: delivery method, level of skill-building, degree of requirement, and intended audience. A total of seven combinations are identified. Using presence or absence of program components, a partial factorial structure is identified, where component clusters comprised seven of the 24 = 16 possible combinations. The smallest number of experimental conditions necessary for estimating these effects is determined with PROC FACTEX. Resulting designs indicate the necessary experimental conditions for determining bystander program component effectiveness available within this study. Our fractional factorial approach offers a novel strategy for planning an evaluation of several bystander program component combinations. This paper provides foundational elements needed to implement a bystander evaluation design, with the requisite emphasis on program components and relevant combinations, while optimizing number of participating campuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For Baby's Sake is an innovative whole-family intervention that works with parents from pregnancy to two years postpartum to break cycles of domestic abuse and improve outcomes for children. The programme launched in 2015 across two community settings in England, with an independent evaluation led by King's College London. This paper aims to (1) summarise the process of developing For Baby's Sake and how it has been embedded within two different settings and (2) describe the evaluation design using early data to illustrate successes and challenges. The programme was developed following a review of the evidence and extensive stakeholder engagement. Three experts co-designed the content in partnership with the Stefanou Foundation and the programme delivery teams have been integrated into two local authorities. The evaluation uses mixed methods to assess abuse victimisation/perpetration, mental health, parenting and child outcomes, alongside service user experiences of early engagement. Forty individuals (27 women and 13 men) have been recruited to the evaluation. Early findings suggest that parents value the novel approach of For Baby's Sake and their relationships with practitioners. Data on parents' mental health and childhood adversities supports the decision to create a trauma-informed intervention. Interventions for domestic abuse are necessary to improve health and behaviour outcomes for families and prevent intergenerational transmission of abuse and developmental trauma. For Baby's Sake addresses limitations of existing interventions, through its trauma-informed, attachment-based, whole-family approach. Early data from the evaluation suggests that the programme is reaching its intended audience and that service users appreciate the supportive approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the findings of a secondary analysis of data collected during a pilot project, Change Up, which used a social norming approach (SNA) to address domestic violence and abuse (DVA) with young people aged 13–14. A SNA is based upon a well-articulated theory of behavior and evidence-based methodology for addressing social justice issues. This reflects a paradigm shift focusing upon strengths and positives, rather than pathologizing behaviors. Adopting a SNA, the Change Up project comprised a baseline survey followed by the intervention (workshop and peer-to-peer campaign), ending with a post-intervention survey. It was delivered in two high schools in a UK city between 2015 and 16. A secondary analysis of the survey data collected during the surveys and qualitative data collected at the end of each workshop was undertaken and this is reported here. Change Up data illustrates that most young people in the sample thought that DVA is unacceptable. There was, however, a gender difference in the norms held about the social acceptability of girls using physical violence against boys (and vice versa). The analysis of Change Up data indicates that a social norming approach to DVA programs aimed at young people can be successful in promoting attitude and behavior change. It also highlights a continuing need for young people's education about relationships and gender equality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MPOWER programme is a resource oriented intervention to support children and young people (CYP) affected by domestic violence and abuse. It draws on principles from feminist informed systemic family practice and creative therapies. The intervention was delivered in 4 European countries (Greece, Italy, Spain and England), reaching 58 CYP. This paper reports on young participants' wellbeing outcomes and perceptions of the intervention. Participants completed the Children's Outcome Rating Scale, and the Children's Group Session Rating Scale (Duncan et al. Journal of Brief Therapy, 3, 3–12, 2003). A descriptive analysis of this data suggests improvement in subjective wellbeing as CYP moved through this programme. Qualitative interviews were also conducted with 21 CYP, exploring their experience of the group intervention and of its impact. These interviews were analysed thematically (Braun and Clark Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101, 2006). Three themes are discussed: These were "Working Together: Building Trust and Sharing Common Experiences"; "Disclosures, creativity and working with emotions"; and "Roots and Branches: Working with relationships". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Practitioners in child and family services are able to identify cases of youth-to-parent aggression. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term effects of the Early Intervention Program in Situations of Youth-to-Parent Aggression (EI-YPA), which was implemented in a Children and Family Services context on the outcome variables of adolescents and parents (individual behavior and health outcomes), indicating the strength of the evidence. Methods: The participants were members of 39 Spanish families with children between 12 and 17 years (N = 101; 40 adolescents and 61 parents) and a quasi-experimental design of repeated measures was applied. EI-YPA provides positive evidence and experiences based on the reports of children and parents. In order to analyze whether the improvements were clinically relevant, a reliable change index was used. Results: Significant improvements concerning aggressive behavior at home, clinical symptoms and family conflict were found. Effect sizes were large for aggressive behavior indicators (aggressive discipline d = 1.19; psychological YPA d = 0.93), and depressive symptomatology of adolescents (d = 0.80). Conclusion: The positive changes found indicate the long-term efficacy of the EI-YPA on behavioral variables and clinical symptoms of children and parents, as well as the family conflict perception. This study contributes to increasing the evidence quality of EI-YPA as a potential evidence-based program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Within the context of the big data society, new systems of data collection on domestic violence and abuse (DVA) have emerged. One such system is Domestic Violence Fatality Review (DVFR) which captures the various dimensions of gender, violence, and abuse required to form an evidence base for prevention. However, to date, there has been limited dialogue between practitioners and researchers about the 'doing' of DVFRs. Method: As DVFR systems vary by jurisdiction, we conducted a case study of Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) in England and Wales. Applying the Research Integrity Framework (RIF) developed by the four Women's Aid Federations in the United Kingdom (UK), this article examines both the practice of DHR and how it is utilised as data in research. Results: Informed by our situated perspectives as researchers and/or practitioners working in the field, our analysis demonstrates how undertaking DHR as a practitioner parallels collecting, accessing, and analysing data from DHRs as a researcher. Guiding principles are identified to help practitioners and researchers navigate the parallel challenges they confront and, critically, inform dialogue between practice and research. Conclusions: Implications for both professional practice and research are presented. To increase transparency and confidence, we argue that more attention should be afforded to the methodological and ethical issues inherent in both the practice of DHRs, and their utilisation as a source of data in research. While DHRs have differences to DVFRs in other jurisdictions, these findings also have implications for these other systems which will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The ways family members engage and communicate with each other has significant impacts on well-being and coping strategies in the face of adversity, but there is a dearth of studies examining family functioning programming in humanitarian settings, particularly programs that incorporate a gender lens and engage multiple family members and genders. This study evaluates the Sibling Support for Adolescent Girls in Emergencies (SSAGE) intervention to understand the impact of gender transformative family programming on family functioning. Methods: The 12-week SSAGE program engaged adolescent girls, their adolescent brothers, and their caregivers in Northeast Nigeria in synchronous sessions stratified by gender and age, with curricula exploring topics including gender-based violence, healthy relationships, and positive parenting. The two-week, post-intervention qualitative evaluation consisted of key informant and paired interviews, participatory research activities, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews with 90 program participants and 12 program staff/mentors to understand the intervention's impact on attitudes and behaviors around family gender roles. Results: Findings revealed improved communication within families, bolstered by mentors' encouragement to discuss program topics within households, and caregivers' and siblings' shift toward the use of healthier, non-corporal behavior control methods. Families described how the intervention promoted conversations around gendered issues including early marriage, education, employment, and puberty. Results: This study builds the evidence base for gender transformative family functioning programming in humanitarian contexts. Practitioners should work to ensure safety of women and girls in future programming, particularly by focusing on communication skills and promoting gender norms change both within households and the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on intimate partner violence shows that individuals who employ abusive behaviors also often have other psychosocial health problems (e.g., substance use) that may limit their ability to engage in treatment for abuse. Limited information exists regarding the psychosocial health needs of individuals who perpetrate abuse and how those needs play a role in their ability to follow through and complete an intervention program. Administrative data from one batterer intervention program (BIP) (N = 330), the local Department of Human Services, and court records were used to explore the relationship of service involvement to post-BIP recidivism. We found that over half the sample had engagement with DHS prior to starting the BIP, and general welfare, health and medical assistance, and behavioral health services were the most accessed programs. Additionally, recidivism for any crime was significantly higher among those with prior DHS involvement. Individuals who perpetrate abuse and who have a history of contact with DHS may represent the most vulnerable population with regards to both risk for attrition from a BIP and future recidivism. Future studies should seek to understand best practices for referrals and coordinated care for individuals who perpetrate abuse and ensure access to a broad range of services to help assist in reducing violent behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the impact of the implementation of The Triple P-Positive Parenting Program in North Carolina (NC) on reducing child maltreatment, a serious public health problem in the US with lasting harmful effects on children. In 2012 and 2013, 34 of 100 counties in NC implemented Triple P. A panel data set with county-level child welfare data and emergency department (ED) discharge data from 2008 to 2015 for 100 counties in NC was constructed. A quasi-experimental design using difference-in-differences analysis estimated the association between the implementation of Triple P and the rate of (1) investigated child maltreatment reports; (2) entry into foster care; and (3) ED visits concerning for child maltreatment. Implementation of Triple P was associated with in a 4% decrease in the county rate of investigated reports of child maltreatment (RR = 0.96, 95% CI [0.93, 0.99]) and a 7% decrease in the county rate of children in foster care (RR = 0.93, 95% CI [0.88, 0.98]). Each of these findings was robust to one but not both sensitivity tests performed. There was no reduction in county-level rates of ED visits with ICD-9-CM codes concerning for child maltreatment. Implementation of Triple P in NC outside of the parameters of scientific study is associated with small reductions in the rates of child maltreatment reports and foster care placements. Additional research is needed to understand whether such small reductions justify the substantial investment communities are making in Triple P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child to family violence is a significant problem, and research on effective programs is lacking. The current study evaluates Step Up, a group intervention program for youth and parents to address youth-initiated patterns of violence. In this retrospective evaluation, we compared 115 court-involved youth who participated in Step Up between 2006 and 2015 to a propensity score weighted group of court-involved youth who had never participated in the program on three outcomes: general recidivism, assault-related recidivism, and domestic violence (DV)-related recidivism. The two groups were adequately balanced on 13 variables capturing background risk prior to outcome analyses. After propensity score weighting, the treatment group showed a significantly lower risk of general recidivism within 12 months, regardless of program completion (21.7% versus 30.9% for the comparison group). Program completion appeared to further boost positive results, as the risk of general recidivism was 14.7%, compared to 27.3% for the weighted comparison sample. However, program participation was not significantly related to either assault-related recidivism or DV-related recidivism, after controlling for background risk. The results of this study indicate that Step Up shows some promise as an effective program to reduce recidivism for youth engaged in child to family violence. However, the results are somewhat mixed, given the lack of effect on future assault-related and DV-related court referrals. Implications for policy and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immigrant Latinas experiencing incidences of interpersonal violence require services from police departments. This study builds upon a previous mixed-method study conducted at a police department between 2016 and 2017 in a Midwestern state. This study examines immigrant Latinas' experiences with a culturally specific curriculum, Sí, Yo Puedo, designed to foster self-esteem and provide education on interpersonal violence and healthy relationships. Nineteen immigrant Latinas participated in three educational groups undergoing the curriculum. Pre/post 36-item surveys inclusive of nine demographic questions and two measurement scales were used to examine differences in self-esteem and attitudes and knowledge toward interpersonal violence. Open-ended qualitative items assessed participants' overall experiences with the Sí, Yo Puedo program. No statistically significant differences between the mean pre- and post-test self-esteem scores were detected. Significant differences were noted regarding participants' disagreements that disapprove or show better knowledge about IPV in the attitudes and knowledge toward interpersonal violence scores. Participants reported positive feelings of increased confidence and self-esteem and reports of learning about legal rights and the dynamics of interpersonal violence. Findings implicate this curriculum as a culturally competent service tool for police departments working with this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed an intimate partner violence educational program (EDUCATE) for health care providers which was implemented in seven fracture clinics by local IPV champions. The purpose of the program was to provide health care providers with the knowledge and skills required to comfortably identify and assist women experiencing IPV in the fracture clinic. The program consisted of an introductory video, interactive online modules, and an in-person presentation by a local IPV champion. The study aim was to qualitatively evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived value of the program. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 champions and 23 participants and identified themes using a qualitative descriptive approach. Champions and participants expressed a strong satisfaction with the program. Champions also described several barriers and facilitators to program implementation. Additionally, we identified themes through analysis of interview data from champions (champion training, program delivery, and perceptions about program participants' receptiveness to the training) and participants (value of the training experience, useful program content, desire for more education, and suggested program improvements). The program showed promising results, as both champions and program participants had overall positive experiences completing the program. Their suggestions for improvement have been used to refine the program, which is now publically available for educational purposes through www.IPVeducate.com. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although individuals who engage in intimate partner violence (IPV) report high rates of trauma exposure, it is unclear whether they perceive a link between trauma exposures and relationship problems, which traumas are seen as most influential, and whether such perceptions accurately reflect their relationship difficulties. Ninety-four men presenting for IPV intervention services reported their exposure to 22 adverse and potentially traumatic events (APTEs), and were asked whether these events had influenced the way that they think, act, or feel in relationships. APTEs were categorized based on whether or not they appeared to represent PTSD Criterion A traumatic events. Additionally, participants completed self-report measures of IPV use, partner injuries, emotional abuse, relationship problems, emotion regulation difficulties, and PTSD symptoms. Nearly half (43.6%) of the sample reported that one or more APTEs had influenced the way they function in relationships. Of the 92 reports of non-Criterion A APTEs, 42.4% were endorsed as relationship-influencing, whereas only 19.7% of the 310 occurrences of Criterion A APTEs were endorsed as relationship-influencing. The number of relationship-influencing APTEs reported was positively correlated with emotional abuse, relationship problems, emotion regulation difficulties, and PTSD symptoms. In contrast, the number of non-relationship-influencing APTEs reported was only correlated with emotional abuse. Findings from this exploratory study (1) demonstrate the ability of clients receiving IPV services to discern which APTEs have relevance to their relationships; (2) suggest the benefits of considering non-Criterion A APTEs; and (3) indicate the need for trauma- informed IPV intervention services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the UK, domestic violence (DV) is one of the most common safeguarding concerns children and young people report (CAADA, 2014). However, little is known about how children experience participation in interventions that aim to support their recovery if they have been affected by DV. This study aims to understand children's experiences of participating in a group programme facilitated by a DV organisation in the UK. Interviews were conducted with four children (aged 7–10) using a flexible, creative and child-led approach. A thematic narrative analysis was used, using a small story approach to narrative data. Results indicate that issues of children's agency, choice and intersecting identities are central to not only how children experience DV but also how they experience recovery. Findings highlight the experiential and relational aspect of therapeutic spaces that can enable children to form relationships and construct meaningful identities. Conclusions suggest that children need to be consulted in inclusive ways in order to contribute to the development and accessibility of services designed to support them when they have been affected by DV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bystander-based violence prevention interventions have shown efficacy to reduce dating violence and sexual violence acceptance at the individual level yet no large randomized controlled trial (RCT) has evaluated this effect at the high-school level and over time. This rigorous cluster-randomized controlled trial addresses this gap by evaluating intervention effectiveness at both school and individual levels. Kentucky high schools were randomized to intervention or control conditions. In intervention schools educators provided school-wide 'Green Dot' presentations and bystander training with student popular opinion leaders. Each spring from 2010 to 2014; 73,044 students completed anonymous surveys with no missing data on relevant outcomes. Dating violence and sexual violence acceptance were the primary outcomes for this analysis. At the school level, slopes from linear mixed models using averaged school-level dating violence acceptance (condition-time, p < 0.001) and sexual violence acceptance (condition-time interaction, p < 0.001) differed indicating a significant reduction in the violence acceptance in the intervention relative to control schools over time and specifically in years 3 and 4 when 'Green Dot' was fully implemented. Analyses based on student's self-reported receipt of 'Green Dot' training by condition confirmed the school level finding of significant reductions in both dating violence and sexual violence acceptance in years 3 and 4 for both males and females. In this RCT we find evidence that the bystander-based violence prevention intervention 'Green Dot' works, as hypothesized and as implemented, to reduce acceptance of dating violence and sexual violence at the school and individual levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 50 years, programs serving intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors have expanded nationally. However, despite IPV program growth service gaps remain, particularly for the most marginalized and vulnerable survivor populations. Emerging practice models call for reimagining current IPV service delivery within an intersectional feminist, trauma-informed framework. An overview of intersectional (e.g. survivor-centered, full-frame, culturally specific) and trauma-informed IPV service approaches will be presented highlighting their shared emphasis on power sharing, authentic survivor-advocate relationships, individualized services, and robust systems advocacy. These approaches have the potential to transform IPV services and narrow service gaps if organizations can embed key elements into program design, implementation and evaluation processes. Recommendations for moving the IPV field forward include: 1) expanding survivors' roles/input; 2) strengthening funding streams and organizational commitment to anti-oppressive, survivor-defined, trauma-informed services; 3) forging cross-sector advocacy relationships; and 4) building knowledge through research and evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Calgary Counselling Centre offers therapy groups for both women whose partners abuse them, 'You're Not Alone' (YNA) and women who abuse partners, 'Responsible Choices for Women' (RCW). The study examines 262 group members (157 RCW & 105 YNA), comparing their demographics and scores on measures of physical and non-physical partner abuse, and mental health symptoms. At pretest, women in YNA reported significantly more problematic depression, anxiety, general distress and trauma symptoms than women in the RCW program. Nevertheless, the factorial repeated measures analysis of variance on pretest/posttest data from 177 women found statistically significant improvements on all four outcomes measures for women in both groups, although women in the YNA survivor groups made the most improvements on depression, stress and general distress. Clinical implications are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the current study was to evaluate the extent to which abuse history predicted change in treatment in an inpatient setting. Poly-victimization and trauma severity were examined as predictors of treatment response measured by the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 and the Symptom Checklist-90-R at admission, discharge, and 6-months follow-up. Data from 161 clients of an inpatient trauma treatment program were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicate that level of poly-victimization predicted treatment response from admission to discharge on two of four outcome variables; however, this relationship was not found at follow-up. Further analyses suggest that the difference in treatment response at discharge among clients with higher rates of poly-victimization was an artifact of scores at admission. Trauma severity analyses reveal that differing types of abusive experiences generally did not predict treatment response. Overall, results demonstrate that this inpatient treatment program is similarly effective for a broad array of patients, including those with a greater number, and higher severity, of victimizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project describes application of an evidenced-based, trauma-informed treatment framework, Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC), with complexly traumatized youth in residential treatment. The processes of implementing the ARC model into clinical and milieu programming at two residential treatment programs are described. Particular attention is paid to system-level processes and strategies for embedding ARC in a sustainable manner. Pilot data demonstrated a significant relation between use of ARC and reductions in PTSD symptoms, externalizing and internalizing behaviors, and the frequency of restraints used across programs. Preliminary findings contribute to an emerging empirical basis for the ARC model and are supportive of its clinical utility as a practice in the residential context. Next steps include: a) expanding the study findings by conducting controlled efficacy research, b) examining system level variables as mediators of change, and c) describing the full operation stage of implementation of the ARC framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]