RCT of a group DVPP for men in abusive relationships [COVID-19] [UPH]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a group programme for men who are concerned about their abusive behaviour in relationships with women: A randomised controlled trial
IRAS ID
261128
Contact name
Gene Feder
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN15804282
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a serious public and clinical health problem. Programmes for men who perpetrate DVA exist but they vary widely in content and delivery. There is a lack of evidence of how and if they work for the men or the victims/survivors of DVA. Plus if they do work, whether they are cost effective.\n\nWe consulted DVA experts and researchers to develop a group domestic violence perpetrator programme (DVPP) to be delivered by facilitators from third sector organisations and lasting 23 weeks. This was tested in a small pilot study of 36 men and their partners or ex-partners and shown to be feasible.\n\nIn this study we aim to recruit 366 male perpetrators of DVA from four regions (Bristol, Somerset , Wiltshire and South Wales). The study will be advertised within GP practices, social services, police, domestic abuse helplines and helplines for men. Men will be individually randomised such that for every three men, two will be allocated to the DVPP intervention and one will get usual care, which does not stop them from accessing other support. The participant’s partners or ex-partners will be contacted to inform them of their participation, intervention ex-/partners will be offered dedicated support and all will be invited to take part in the study. All participants will be followed up for 12 months and asked to complete questionnaires at 4, 8 and 12 months after recruitment.\n\nA subgroup of male and female participants (from intervention and control arms) and also facilitators delivering the intervention will be asked to take part in an interview substudy to explore their experiences and acceptability of the study/intervention. We will monitor how well the intervention is implemented (by observing the sessions as part of a process evaluation). We will also run a cost-effectiveness analysis.\n\n
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SC/0171
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion