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Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Abuse: The Long-Term Impact of a Residential Care Program

NCJ Number
218021
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2007 Pages: 187-199
Author(s)
Jonathan C. Huefner; Jay L. Ringle; M. Beth Chmelka; Stephanie D. Ingram
Date Published
February 2007
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study compared the rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) 16 years after individuals had participated in a long-term residential care program with individuals accepted to the program who did not participate.
Abstract
Time spent at a treatment-oriented residential care program was associated with lower rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) in adulthood. Specifically, a program focused on building and maintaining healthy relationships appears to play a long-term beneficial role in disrupting this aspect of intergenerational violence. Results indicate that the treatment received might contribute to teaching these individuals the interpersonal skills needed to avoid IPV in their adult relationships. Long-term residential care programs have as their primary goal to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for at-risk youth. The youth typically come from unstable environments and face a wide range of problems. This paper reports the only long-term study evaluating the impact of adolescent residential treatment on adult IPV. The study compared the IPV rates for residential care and comparison groups to the United States national data obtained from the National Survey of Families and Households, 16 years after the residential care group had left treatment. Tables, figure, references