The social problem of intimate partner violence affects approximately one-half to two million individuals each year in the United States (Catalano, 2007; Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). Commonly the criminal justice system mandates completion of a group-based intervention intended to prevent violent behavior (Dalton, 2007). These groups are typically referred to as a batterer intervention program (BIP). Despite the popularity of this intervention approach, research findings examining the efficacy of these programs remain inconsistent (Babcock, Green & Robie, 2004). Nonetheless, 45 U.S. states including the District of Columbia, have implemented standards that aim to proscribe and regulate elements of program functioning. To gain insight regarding the effects that standards implemented in the state of Oregon in 2006 have had on the functioning and characteristics of BIPs, this study examined survey data collected in 2001, 2004, and 2008 from a total of 76 BIPs functioning in Oregon. Several hypotheses were tested. First, it was hypothesized that program compliance with state standards would increase from 2001 to 2004 and from 2004 to 2008. Overall compliance did increase, though this change was not statistically significant. Consistent with this hypothesis, a statistically significant increase in one component of compliance, program length, was found between 2004 and 2008. Additionally, some components, such as collaboration with community partners, did not change in the expected direction. Second, the analyses tested whether programs that began functioning after the creation of the standards in 2006 would be more compliant with the standards than those operating prior to 2006. This was not the case; there was not a significant difference in the compliance ratios for programs that began functioning before and after 2006. Third, it was hypothesized that program characteristics of program size, location, and barriers to compliance would predict program compliance. This hypothesis was not supported; program size, location and barriers did not predict program compliance. These results indicate that some portions of the standards are being met by programs regardless of their program characteristics, while other components are not. Understanding which components of state standards programs are and are not in compliance with provides valuable insight into which components of standards may be difficult for programs to adhere. This information is important for understanding how programs may need assistance to comply with specific components and whether enforcement or formal monitoring of programs is necessary.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been declared a public health epidemic. Initial and annual training of healthcare providers regarding guidelines for identification and response to intimate partner violence has been mandated by the Joint Commission and endorsed by the Institute of Medicine. However, many providers/institutions lack the preparation necessary to implement such guidelines. The purpose of the feasibility study was to test the efficacy of an existing IPV training curriculum on participants’ perception of knowledge, cultural competence, confidence (self-efficacy), and attitudes related to identifying and responding to victims of IPV. A sample of convenience including twenty-three registered nurse home-visitors and one social work intern participated in the mandatory one-day training program. However, consent to enroll in the study was voluntary and indicated by completing the study instruments. Participants were asked to complete three evaluative measures: The 11-item Plunkett Demographic Questionnaire (pre-training), a 15-item Training Program Evaluation (post-training), and the 21-item Instructional Measurement Subscales across three time points (pre-Training, post-Training, and six weeks follow-up). All items were numerically coded so the higher the score, the more favorable the response. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (percentages; minimum-maximum, mean, and composite scores; standard deviations; repeated measures analysis of variance; and, paired samples dependent t tests). Four hypothesis statements were made regarding participation in the training program on IPV: “There will be an overall increase in healthcare providers’ perceived level of knowledge and cultural competence,” (hypothesis 1); “There will be an overall increase in healthcare providers’ perceived level of confidence in implementing routine enquiry,” (hypothesis 2); “There will be an overall positive change in healthcare providers’ attitudes towards routine enquiry,” (hypothesis 3); and, “There will be an overall positive change in healthcare providers’ attitudes towards victims of abuse following participation in Improving the Health Care Response to Domestic Violence,” (hypothesis 4). Findings supported previous research outcomes that presently recognized barriers to routine screening/ assessment for IPV can be overcome and positive changes can persist over time as a result of participation in a standard IPV training program. Future research involving larger, random sample populations, are needed to confirm these results.