Duluth vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy : A Natural Field Experiment on Intimate Partner Violence Diversion Programs

We use data from a three-year natural field experiment to study rates of recidivism in two types of diversion programs designed to reduce Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among heterosexual partners. In one program (Duluth), efforts are focused on protecting women from male aggression through a psycho-educational program, regardless of the offender’s sex. In the other program (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), efforts are focused on improving intra-household behaviors and communication skills through counseling. Our experimental results find that the IPV recidivism rate, measured as re-convictions for IPV, is 11 percentage points higher for offenders randomly assigned to a Duluth treatment program (14 percentage points higher among males). This outcome is statistically and practically significant, suggesting that the Duluth approach corresponds to meaningfully higher recidivism rates when compared to CBT. In an attempt to explain the observed difference of IPV recidivism between these programs, we discuss theories for plausible psychological, sociological, psycho-physiological, and neurological mechanisms responsible for this outcome