Offenders
Participating offenders have already spent significant time in counseling and a Batterer Intervention Program (BIP), which is similar to a 12-step program where restitution is one of the steps. The conversations of DVSD offer a unique chance for offenders to hear the effects of their abuse on a survivor. You can address questions that only a survivor needs answered. DVSD provides a supportive place for you to honestly talk about your past to directly help another person.
"DVSD made me realize the path of destruction I have left in people's lives. It was very humbling."
-- Brad, a domestic violence offender and DVSD participant.
Offender participants say that DVSD has allowed them:
- An opportunity to make something good out of their past
- A chance to listen, answer questions and to hear (often for the first time) what a victim of DV feels and experienced
- To accept accountability for the pain they caused another
- To come to terms with what they’ve done and accept themselves
- To experience empathy for another person.
Offender Participation Guidelines
Offenders must have:
- Significant number of weeks in counseling (individual or group) *3-6 months recommended *Plans for continued counseling
- Significant amount of time from last abusive incident *3-6 months recommended, depending on individual circumstances
- Level of ability to cope with questions about their past abuse *Degree of emotional stability (anger, sadness, etc.) *Realistic goals for dialogue
- Level of ability to discuss cycle of violence *Complete admission and accountability for past abusive acts
- *Voluntary participation at every point during the program *Not an environment of being pressured or persuaded by others
- Referred by counselor
