Attitudinal Change in Participants of Partner Assault Response (PAR) Programs: A Pilot Project

APPENDIX A: Letter of Consent

Letter of Research Information

Dear Participant:

You have just become involved in the Changing Ways program, a program specifically for men who have been abusive towards their intimate partners. At this program we are always trying to make our service better. One of the ways that we do this is through research on men's progress through treatment. You are being invited to take part in one such research project. The purpose of this research is to explore men's attitudes and beliefs before and after treatment.

If you agree to participation in this research, I am going to be asking you to complete a questionnaire twice as you progress through the program at Changing Ways, once today and once at the end of your time (17 weeks from now). Researchers will also look at information collected by the program staff at Changing Ways to assist with the analysis of the data. Because this is a research project, you may choose not to answer any question that makes you feel uncomfortable or you may withdraw from the study at any time.

Information collected for research purposes will be kept completely confidential. Information will be coded using a confidential ID number and pooled for statistical analysis so that an individual can, at no time, be identified. The information collected will be stored in a locked filing cabinet and will be destroyed at the end of the study.

There is no risk to your participation or lack of participation in this study. It will not affect your progress at Changing Ways and it will have no effect on any involvement that you may have with the legal system.

Results of this study will be used to make decisions about the future development of programs such as Changing Ways. A copy of results will be made available to all participants who are interested.

To indicate whether you do or do not consent to participate in this research, please fill in the following information. If you have any questions, feel free to call me, Katreena Scott at the number listed below. Should you have any concerns regarding the study, please contact Nathalie Quann, also listed below. Thank you very much for your time.

Katreena Scott, Ph.D. C. Psych.,
Nathalie Quann, Senior Statistician
Research and Statistics Division, Department of Justice Canada, Government of Canada

Consent for Research Participation

Your Name:

I have read the letter of information provided by Katreena Scott and understand what is involved in this study.  I also understand that I can withdraw from the study at any time and that this will not affect my treatment or any other services. It is also understood that all information obtained for this study will be kept strictly confidential.

I voluntarily consent to participating in the study described.