Process evaluation of a community-based domestic violence perpetrator programme in the Dominican Republic

Although Batterer Intervention Programs (BIPs) are a common approach for addressing intimate partner violence (IPV), their effectiveness remains questioned. Characteristics of BIPs’ implementation are recognised as consequential, but studies remain scarce and are mainly from high-income countries. To address this gap, a process evaluation was conducted to identify facilitators and barriers to BIP implementation in the Dominican Republic. Semi-structured interviews (N = 17) were undertaken in person with managers and facilitators at BIP sites and practitioners in criminal justice and partner agencies. Our results found similar challenges to those reported in Western countries (e.g. ineffective integration of evidence-based principles, funding constraints, limited training, unmotivated participants, one-size-fits-all approach, weak multi-agency coordination) and others specific to the Dominican Republic (e.g. programme expansion without resources, poor coordination across programme sites, inappropriate referrals, lack of risk assessment tools, digital data issues). Practical implications for BIPs operating in different areas, but especially non-Western resource constrained contexts, are discussed.