AbstractsPsychology

The following study attempted to determine the effectiveness of the Preventing Abuse in the Home (PATH) batterer's intervention program from the perspective of the partners of men enrolled in the program. The partner's perspective was obtained through the collection of qualitative data from interviews conducted with women who were currently or recently involved with men who had been participating in the PATH program for a minimum of 16 weeks. Interview questions were created based upon several variables including review of empirical literature and specific questions that researchers were interested in addressing in regards to PATH. Results highlighted the various types of abuse that each victim experienced prior to her partner becoming involved in PATH, obstacles and assistance the victim had in regards to her decision to end or maintain the relationship, and behavioral changes the victim noticed in both herself and the batterer during his enrollment in the PATH program. This study is part of a larger study that will attempt to determine the effectiveness of the PATH program from multiple perspectives. Although it is recognized that both men and women can be the perpetrators/victims of domestic violence, this study will focus only on male batterers because the PATH program serves male clients exclusively.