The Batterer’s Intervention Program is based on the principle that Domestic violence creates a health and safety hazard to a victim (spouse, live-in partner, a child, or other family member) who may experience short and long term effects from the abuse. The immediate and long-term termination of the domestic violence is the priority purpose for batterer intervention. (Section 6 of 920 KAR 2:020). In other words, the Batterer’s Intervention Program works to stop violence in the home.
- The batterer’s intervention program is often court ordered or required by social service agencies, but can also be self-referred. The program consists of 28 consecutive weeks, each session lasting approximately 90 minutes. You can start the group at any point…you do not have to wait for a specific 28 weeks to end. Groups are available weekly. A BIP Assessment must be completed before starting the program and are available weekly.
- Weekly Topics Include:
- Definition of domestic violence, including physical, sexual, psychological, and environmental abuse
- Effects of domestic violence on a victim and a witness to domestic violence
- Civil and criminal law related to domestic violence
- Cycle of violence and other dynamic of domestic violence
- Personal responsibility for domestic violence
- Client’s use of power, control, and coercion in an intimate relationship
- Sex role stereotyping
- Patterns of aggression in conflict with victims
- Actual and perceived roles of alcohol and drug abuse in domestic violence
- Constructive and nonviolent method for resolving conflict in a relationship
- Parenting after violence, including education on pediatric abusive head trauma (shaken baby syndrome)
- Relapse prevention techniques