Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP)

The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP), is a program for domestic violence offenders/batterers.  DVIP is more than an anger management program.  It offers a cognitive behavioral approach to domestic violence that helps offenders to understand the effects of their behaviors on those closest to them.  It specifically is designed to offer understanding in how the socialization of male dominance hinders intimacy; that violence is intentional and a choice designed to control their intimate partner; that the effects of abusive behavior damages the family; and offers a roadmap to change.  The DVIP also teaches alternatives to coercive, dominating and violent behavior in intimate relationships.  The curriculum used in the DVIP is taken from the nationally recognized Duluth Model of Crisis Intervention Programs.

Our eighteen-week DVIP course is segregated into classes for men and women.  Although volunteers are accepted into the program, most of our referrals are court-ordered for first time offenders of Domestic Violence under the Simple Assault statute. The Gulf Coast Women's Center for Nonviolence teams with the coordinated response of law enforcement and the criminal courts to make our community safer for victims and to hold offenders accountable for their behavior.  Reports are sent to the courts and the probation officers about each participant's status in class.

228-868-9324
Domestic Violence Intervention Program -- Duluth Model
	Men's groups
	Women's groups

Page last updated:  07/09/2008