Study of Fathers for Change Therapy Versus Standard Batterer Intervention to Reduce Family Violence and Improve Child Symptoms

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Fathers for Change F4C, a father-focused intervention, compared to a standard Batterer Intervention Program BIP in reducing family violence and child mental health issues. The study focuses on fathers with a history of Intimate Partner Violence IPV and examines how fathers emotion regulation and reflective functioning may influence outcomes for both the family and children. It addresses the gap in current interventions by specifically involving fathers and targeting the roots of offending behaviors. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups Fathers for Change or the Duluth Model BIP. Fathers for Change involves 18 weekly individual sessions of 60 minutes each, focusing on emotion regulation, reflective functioning, and improving family communication. The Duluth BIP also consists of 18 weekly individual sessions of 60 minutes, focusing on psychoeducation about the impact of violence, power and control tactics, and anger management skills through didactics and role plays. Throughout the study, participants and their families undergo assessments at baseline, 19 weeks, 43 weeks, and 70 weeks to measure changes in physical and verbal IPV, child maltreatment, and child mental health symptoms such as posttraumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and aggression. Father-child interactions and coercive controlling IPV are also evaluated. Data collection includes observational coding during sessions and weekly self-ratings. The study aims to understand the mechanisms of change and improve interventions for families affected by IPV and child maltreatment.

Father-Focused Intervention for Reducing Family Violence and Symptoms in Children