Addressing Trauma May Help Prevent Domestic Violence
Intervention programs that work with abusive partners and use trauma-informed approaches can help successfully prevent future intimate partner violence
By Alison Diéguez, Senior Policy Associate
Domestic violence—and intimate partner violence (IPV), in particular—is a long-standing public health crisis that has persisted despite earnest political and programmatic efforts to curb it. Although Abusive Partner Intervention Programs (APIPs) emerged in the late 1970s to reduce domestic violence, many traditional APIP models have not been found to promote long-term behavior change. Accordingly, members of the domestic violence advocacy community have advocated for more effective approaches to criminal justice intervention, including the creation of innovative and trauma-informed programs that take the experiences, needs, trauma histories, and risks presented by the abusive partner into account.
In response, the Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (CJII) sought to create a Trauma-Informed Abusive Partner Intervention Program (TI-APIP) in Manhattan that incorporates best and promising practices for working with abusive partners who have experienced trauma. In addition to holding the abusive partner accountable, the TI-APIP aims to increase the likelihood that abusive partners will gain insight into their behaviors, develop empathy for survivors, accept responsibility for their actions, and engage in meaningful and sustained behavior change. ISLG manages this initiative on behalf of the District Attorney of New York County and the CJII.
The “Manhattan Model”: Core Program Tenets
Through a CJII investment, the Urban Resource Institute—the program provider for the CJII’s TI-APIP—developed innovative approaches to working with abusive partners, serving survivors, and integrating trauma-informed care into behavioral health and social service delivery. During the first year, the TI-APIP pilot tested and refined different aspects of the model, including in:
Referrals and screening
A trauma-informed program space
Group-based work
Strong and caring relationships
Wraparound services
Survivor engagement
APIP Design and Policy Recommendations
After one year of implementation, CJII and URI learned a great deal about designing trauma-informed programming and effectively serving abusive partners toward the goal of sustained behavioral change. The recommendations below draw on these lessons learned to date.
Incorporate trauma-informed principles into APIP designs and utilize tailored trauma-specific interventions. Given the prevalence of trauma among abusive partners (as of mid-2021 all program participants reported trauma histories), a trauma-informed program design, coupled with trauma-specific services, will better engage individuals and promote change.
Reduce barriers to accessing services and provide comprehensive wraparound supports. Systemic barriers to services, such as fees and travel costs, can become insurmountable barriers to engagement. Concrete needs such as homelessness, behavioral health concerns, and food insecurity also interfere with a person’s ability to engage in services. Programming should be structured so as to address these and other barriers to participation in the APIP.
Incorporate the survivor’s voice into the APIP programming. Work with abusive partners must be grounded in accountability and in the safety of the survivor and their family.
The Urban Institute is evaluating this program, and expects to produce an evaluation report documenting the TI-APIP’s implementation and impact.
What Is the Criminal Justice Investment Initiative?
“Transforming our justice system requires more than prosecutorial reform; we must invest in the communities that have been most harmed by historical divestment and disparate law enforcement practices, and support innovative community projects that fill critical gaps in our neighborhoods.”
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. established the Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (CJII) to invest $250 million to strengthen, support, and increase the safety of communities in New York City. Guided by the principles of prevention and partnership with communities as cornerstones of a 21st century crime-fighting strategy, the investments represent a comprehensive approach to improving the well-being and safety of all New Yorkers. Since 2016, CJII has funded 52 grantees, 11 evaluators, and 90 subgrantees that provide crucial services to New York City residents to interrupt cycles of crime and prevent involvement in the criminal justice system. As of June 30, 2020, CJII funds had supported more than 25,000 people across New York City and New York State. ISLG manages CJII on DANY’s behalf.