Batterers Intervention Program

All defendants convicted of a domestic violence crime must undergo a Batterers Intervention Program.

A Batterers Intervention Program is a psycho-educational group led by trained professional facilitators. Each meeting is an hour and a half to two hours long, and meetings are held every week for a minimum of 20 weeks. Fees are collected, but programs can make accommodations as needed. Ask your parole officer or program staff about available options.

Through these programs, batterers learn to identify abusive behaviors and are taught to react to situations non-abusively and to communicate with their partner.

Batterers Intervention Programs differ from, and are not replaceable by, substance abuse treatments, mental health services, or family, marital, couples or other counseling.

Participants are held accountable for their attendance, must be on time, and cannot miss a meeting.

While participation is often court-ordered, individuals can also voluntarily attend by contacting the program that serves the area in which they live. Those who voluntarily sign up are still expected to follow through with the commitment and adhere to attendance policies.