Batterer Intervention Programs

There are many programs to which a batterer may be referred. Some of these are state-certified Batterer Intervention Programs. These programs use a group model to address the batterer's violence.

Groups usually meet over a period of 40 weeks. During this time, the abuser is engaged in a process of taking responsibility for his behavior and is held accountable for his actions by both the group facilitators and other group members. These groups are offered in different languages and are also offered to lesbian and gay batterers.

During the first stage of the group, the survivor will be contacted by a Partner Contact. This person’s role is to maintain confidential, periodic contact with the survivor in an effort to assess the current abuse in the relationship and to provide resources and support around safety.

For more information on Batterer Intervention Programs and batterers in general see Unit 7. For a referral to a Batterer Intervention Program call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-624-6000. This is the state agency that oversees and certifies Batterer Intervention Programs.