What Efficacy? the Evolution of Treatment Programmes in Italy between Social Control and Perpetrator Accountability

The paper discusses key developments observed over the five-year period between the first and second CNR national surveys on centers for perpetrators of violence in Italy, with a particular focus on regulatory changes that have supported program expansion and strengthened ties with the criminal justice system. Alongside an increase in the number of programs and men admitted, notable shifts in admission pathways are observed, with a decrease in voluntary admissions and an increase in mandatory ones—a trend that may lead to a more instrumental approach to program participation. These changes impact practitioners’ approaches and, at the same time, intensify demands for accountability, raising questions regarding the effectiveness of the interventions.

In response to these developments, a qualitative study was conducted, drawing on international literature (Gondolf 2004; Turner et al. 2023; Vall et al. 2021; Westmarland & Kelly 2013) to explore evaluative research on Italian programs, offering insights into the concept of intervention effectiveness and the evaluation methodologies used. Findings indicate that, from the practitioners’ perspective, success is conceptualized not merely as the reduction of violent behaviors but also as holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. Additionally, the study highlights that the concept of effectiveness must take into account the programs' role in the social control of perpetrators. Methodologically, the study identifies limitations in existing evaluative research, offering recommendations for improvements in future studies.