Topic: Intimate Partner Violence, Safety, Sexual Assault
Target Population: Adults
Sector: Community-Based
This program is delivered to adult males who have committed acts of domestic violence and is intended to impact offenders and their partners.
The Duluth Model is a community-based approach that is designed to promote a safe environment for women who have been abused or assaulted, encourage a general understanding of harmful male-dominant actions, facilitate accountability for offenders, and initiate changes in societal acceptance of male control over females.
Evaluations of the Duluth Model have yielded mixed findings. Overall, the best-designed studies have suggested few positive outcomes for program participants. However, many of these evaluations were conducted in communities that failed to implement all aspects of the model. Furthermore, even the highest quality evaluations of the Duluth Model have included significant limitations. As such, while preliminary findings provide evidence that the model may not work, firm conclusions regarding program effectiveness cannot be made at this time.
The Duluth Model is based on the principle that battering is a technique employed by some men to gain control and dominate an intimate partner. With this concern in mind, this model promotes efforts to protect women, encourages behavioral changes among offenders, demands accountability for offenders, and facilitates changes in societal norms that support men's use of power and control over women. Specific components of the model include:
Components of the Duluth Model have been incorporated into domestic abuse-related policies and practices used in many countries around the world.
Ongoing trainings are based in Duluth, Minnesota, and customized on-site trainings are available. Please visit https://www.theduluthmodel.org/training/ for more information.
Considerations for implementing this program include acquiring buy-in of community members and participants; obtaining training for facilitators; and coordinating multiple systems, such as mental health practitioners, the justice system, and victims' advocacy groups.
The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
If you are interested in implementing The Duluth Model, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you!
Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
The Duluth Model is incorporated into ongoing community approaches that address domestic violence. Timing and duration of specific components vary widely.
Costs associated with implementing the Duluth Model vary depending on which resources are implemented. A variety of program materials (e.g., DVDs, curricula, books) are available for purchase. Please visit www.theduluthmodel.org/training/resources.html for more information.
To move the Duluth Model to the Promising category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence, at least one evaluation should be performed demonstrating positive effects lasting at least one year from the beginning of the program or at least six months from program completion.
The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185 Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu
You may also contact Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs by mail 202 East Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802, phone 1-218-722-2781, fax 1-218-722-5067, or visit https://www.theduluthmodel.org/contact-us/
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