Challenges to an individualized approach toward batterers intervention programs in the context of coordinated community response to the intimate partner violence in Lithuania
ENPurpose: Although batterers’ intervention programs (BIPs) constitute an important part of the coordinated response to intimate partner violence (IPV) and contribute to increasing the perpetrators’ accountability and keeping victims safe, the efectiveness of these programs is still debated. Only recently has the focus of these debates shifted away from researching outcomes by measuring overall program efectiveness toward specifc qualities of interventions across program models that may be efective for the distinct client (Babcock et al., Clinical Psychology Review, 23(8), 1023–1053, 2004; Zarling et al., Psychology of Violence, 9(3), 257–266, 2019). The discussion on the practical implementation of BIPs was supplemented by various signifcant concepts emerging from new empirical fndings, such as diferential treatment, motivational interviewing, and efective facilitator–client alliances (Hamel et al., Partner Abuse, 11(4), 387–414, 2020; Holtrop et al., Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 32(8), 1267–1290, 2017). This paper aimed to address some of the abovementioned concepts by identifying challenges that arise during the implementation of BIPs in Lithuania. Methods: Using qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with BIPs facilitators, BIPs attendees, and various stakeholders, the paper discusses how to contribute to more efective BIPs outcomes. Results: According to this study, the process of implementing BIPs in Lithuania should be systematized by incorporating existing instruments, such as motivational interviewing, risk-based assessment, and diferential treatment, evidence-based programs focused on diferent theoretical approaches, and forms of implementation.Conclusion: The study found that the consistency and integrity of the entire BIP implementation process should be prioritized, and institutional cooperation in Lithuania needs to be improved to achieve a successful coordinated response to intimate partner violence. Keywords: batterers intervention programs, intimate partner violence, coordinated community response, individualized approach, diferential treatment. [From the publication]
