A Batterer’s Intervention Program Journey

It is difficult to measure success in a program such as this. The criterion for success according to the Probation Department include some of the following: 

• Admits to violence with no minimizing, blaming, excuses or denial
• Participates constructively in group, and initiates positive and respectful dialogue
• Demonstrates an understanding of positive conflict resolution skills
• Appears motivated to improve his/her relationship skills
• Appears to be using appropriates conflict resolution skills and self-control techniques

Many clients take weeks to months to move out of the denial and blame stage to a more constructive, introspective dialogue. Many may just go through the motions, or never become accountable. 

Recently, one client demonstrated growth by articulating how he has come to realize how special and kind and wonderful his wife is. He said he had this insight after listening to a lot of the other group members describe with animosity and disdain, their partner relationships, He was saddened to think they did not have more in their lives. He was ashamed for his behaviors, his choices, and his demands. He felt blessed to have her in his life and it took something as extreme as an arrest for domestic violence, the Courts, Formal Probation, 52 week domestic violence course and six months of house arrest to realize what was truly important in his life. He wonders why it took all this, but hopefully he will continue on this path. This client is almost done with his program, but continues to be motivated in improving himself as well as his interpersonal relationships.