The Batterer's Intervention Program (BIP) provides educational group sessions for people who are abusive in their relationships. Abusive behavior can be physical, mental, emotional, and sexual. Abusive behavior may also include destruction of property or cruelty to pets.

BIP is a 24-week educational program. Members are challenged to self-identify their abusive behavior by listening to other group participants describe their own abusive behavior. Members also participate in group discussions about selected topics on “power-and-control” and equality in a relationship.

BIP frequently tests and challenges each group member’s behavior. Progress is made only if the abuser is self-accountable for all behaviors, and develops the flexibility to make behavioral changes. This individual progress, or lack of progress, is regularly reported to the probation officer. If an abuser does not make sufficient progress they may be dropped from the group and returned to Court for review.

We cannot guarantee immediate or permanent change. If a group member misses four sessions they are dropped from the group and the victim and probation officer are immediately notified.

The victim, the Police Department, and the person’s probation officer are immediately notified if the abuser makes statements about harming the victim, family members, or anyone else.

The victim may contact the group facilitator at any time to report abusive behavior or to report any other information. The victim has been given the right to make this contact when the abuser signs the Group Rules. The abuser will not be informed of any information provided by the victim.

Any information provided by the victim or the abuser will be reported to the abuser’s probation officer.