Domestic violence and battery have sadly become a big problem in the United States. All over the country, innocent victims are being abused by their intimate partners and family members.
In 2018, Florida law enforcement agencies reported 104,914 crimes of domestic violence, resulting in 64,573 arrests. Batterer intervention programs (BIPs) are one way to combat this issue. Through domestic violence counseling services, peoples’ lives have the chance to be changed, and the home can become a safe space once again.
The Reality Of Domestic Violence
Florida is currently experiencing an epidemic of domestic violence and every year, nationally, more than 12 million women are estimated to encounter some form of domestic violence.
Florida legislation defines domestic violence as the following:
- Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Battery
- Aggravated Battery
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Battery
- Stalking
- Aggravated Stalking
- Kidnapping
- False Imprisonment
- Any Criminal Offense That Results In Physical Harm Or Death
Domestic violence is a sad and scary reality for many people living in the country. There are several programs and strategies to combat the high number of domestic violence cases. One of these endeavors includes a BIP.
What Is A Batterer Intervention Program (BIP)?
First established in the 1970s, batterer intervention programs (BIPs) were set up as a response to hotline calls from both victims and offenders. At first, they were modeled similarly to substance abuse programs, but have since evolved to include forms of couples counseling with a supportive and educational structure.
A BIP focuses on the person responsible for abusing their intimate partner. This intimate partner can be a girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, or wife among other relationship titles.
The BIP course is centered on educating and rehabilitating batterers in order to positively change the thinking and behavior of the individual. As a result, violence in the home is decreased as education increases.
Benefits of Batterer Intervention
A certified batterer intervention program is advantageous in several ways. BIPs provide an opportunity for batterers to change their behavior and adjust their mindset in respect of their abusive actions.
The belief is that these abusive actions have been learned, and can be unlearned in the right environment. The intention of the program is to stop batterers from acting abusive and controlling while ensuring that the victim of abuse remains safe.
BIPs offer the following benefits for both abusers and victims in the area of domestic violence:
- Identify triggers and warning signs before domestic abuse becomes an issue.
- The chance to prioritize the voices and experiences of the abused.
- Understanding that abusive behavior has the ability to change.
- Offer offenders the opportunity to change through the process of court-ordered (or voluntary) educational programs.
- The existence of regular discussions on how to improve the community’s response to abuse.
BIPs use a form of therapy to identify negative, dehumanizing and often sexist beliefs, and reframe these ideals to be constructive and respectful. Through these programs, various ways of thinking and behaviors are adjusted and improved.
See What Batterer Intervention Programs Can Do For You
It’s important to understand that abusive actions are not mental conditions, and there is no need to put up with an abusive partner. It is possible for abusive behavior to be amended, and a BIP is an effective way of doing so.
During these courses, individuals are taught to take responsibility for both their thoughts and their actions. While many BIPs are completed after a court order, there are those that volunteer to amend their ideals.
Fifth Street Counseling Center helps families in Broward County take the first step to reduce domestic violence by offering a supportive environment to go through the BIP process. Give us a call at (954) 797-5222 to find out more, today.