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. Two recent randomized trials have been conducted comparing Duluth Model to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The first study compared in-person versions of both programs. Results at 1 year posttreatment indicated no differences between groups in domestic assault charges. The odds of being charged with a violent crime or a nonviolent offense were significantly higher for Duluth participants. Data from victims indicated that victims of Duluth participants reported significantly more IPV behaviors (i.e., aggressive, controlling, stalking behaviors) than victims of ACT participants. The second study compared virtual delivery of ACT vs virtual delivery of Duluth and assessed criminal justice outcomes during the year following dropout or completion. Results indicated no differences between groups in recidivism rates, although fewer ACT participants incurred new domestic violence charges and non-violent charges, while fewer Duluth participants incurred violent (non-DV) charges. ACT participants also had fewer total charges compared to Duluth. Overall, results provide evidence that the model may not work, and firm conclusions regarding program effectiveness cannot be made at this time.

The Duluth Model is based on the principle that men who batter their female partners are acting out of a belief that they are entitled to hold authority over women, and battering is a technique they use to gain control and dominate an intimate partner. The model promotes efforts to protect women and promotes accountability for offenders. The model includes the following two components:

• Coordinated Community Response – develop written policies that focus on victim safety and offender accountability and that coordinate an interagency intervention strategy, create protocols and procedures that link practitioners from different agencies and disciplines, track and monitor cases and assess data, encourage practitioners to work together to solve problems; and
• Offender education program – educate participants, help participants realize that their acts of violence are a means of control, increase participants’ willingness to change abusive behaviors, strengthen participants’ ability to hold themselves accountable and responsible.

The program focuses on changing participants' beliefs while addressing the following key themes: nonviolence, non-threatening behavior, respect, trust and support, honesty and accountability, responsible parenting, shared responsibility, economic partnership, sexual respect, and negotiation and fairness.

The Duluth Model was developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project of Duluth, Minnesota. 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/product-category/training/ or use details in the Contact section 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. Participants typically attend weekly 1.5-hour classes for 28 to 52 weeks.

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 https://www.theduluthmodel.org/shop/ 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 1-218-722-0779, email executivedirector@theduluthmodel.org, or visit https://www.theduluthmodel.org/contact-us/

https://www.theduluthmodel.org/ and https://www.cebc4cw.org/program/domestic-abuse-intervention-project/detailed