Preventing Repeat Incidents of Family Violence: A Randomized Multi-Site Field Test of Second Responders

This is a supplement to the project described below. The supplement will allow for in person follow-up interviews with victims. The aim of the proposed research is to determine how second responder programs can be structured in ways that are likely to reduce domestic abuse and minimize the risk for subsequent victimization. The study will involve a randomized trial to test a version of a second responder program in Redlands, California, which is close to the kind used in most jurisdictions. Second responder programs are ones in which case workers follow up on domestic violence incidents reported to police. Previous research on second responder programs has produced contradictory results, with one study showing an increase in continuing abuse among those who received the intervention. The current research will test the timing of the second responder intervention (immediate, delayed or none). Seventy five cases will be assigned to the immediate and delayed condition, and 150 to the no response condition (total n=300). The outcome measure will include new official reports of abuse six months after intake. Victim interviews will also take place at six months after intake and will obtain information on new abuse, positive changes in victims' lives, and their assessment of the services provided by the program. The information gained through the research will be made available to criminal justice planners and victim programs to allow them to make intelligent decisions about how effective second responder programs can be run. The project will take place over 21 months, including two months of planning, 11 months of sample intake, 6 months of follow up, and two months of data analysis and report writing.

ca/ncf