ABSTRACT
Treating batterers and sex offenders is complex. Research has not demonstrated consistently that treatment intervention is all that effective in reducing recidivism. This may be because the therapists are not adequately trained, or at the very least, not trained with the same information and consistent information and techniques. It may also be that the programs are failing as well, with inconsistencies and financial struggles that are not offering the appropriate treatment modality or structured treatment goals, and perhaps also having inadequately trained and inexperienced staff. Of course third reason why treatment programs may not be as effective as we would prefer is that the offenders have personality disorders and traits that make them untreatable to some degree. If they are not internally motivated for change, and their personality, need for control, and deviant thoughts and behavior are strong and habituated, then perhaps change is not as likely. Treatment professionals are not yet ready to give up on the notion of successfully treating offenders.
