Domestic violence treatment response and recidivism: A review and implications for the study of family violence

Although domestic violence is a significant societal problem, which continues to receive public and private sector attention, intervention and treatment programs have proven inconsistent in their success. This paper reviews the published literature on domestic violence treatment efficacy and post-treatment recidivism and explores the related factors. In addition, challenges in the assessment of domestic violence are briefly discussed. Finally, recent developments are discussed along with their potential benefits, and an appeal is made for the need to study domestic violence in the broader context of family violence. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.