Domestic Violence Intervention Programs for Perpetrators in Latin America and the Caribbean

Research on intervention programs for domestic violence (DV) perpetrators in the United States and in Europe has started to shed light on these interventions and the challenges they face in determining “what works” in those regions. In Latin America, the research is almost nonexistent. This study presents a literature review of studies and program protocols in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the results of a continental survey on characteristics and suggested standards for DV perpetrator programs in this region. Findings indicate perpetrator interventions in this part of the world are in their earliest stages along with the remaining challenges these involve. Suggested standards in the areas of program effectiveness, evidence-based intake assessments, tailoring of programs to minority group’s needs, the conceptualization of DV, influential risk factors, and liaisons between academia and practice are discussed.