Domestic Abuse Intervention Program

The devastating impact of domestic abuse is felt by individuals and families throughout our society. The origins and causes of violence within a relationship are complex. However, it is believed that violence against one’s partner is a potentially lethal behavior that is supported by a culture that explicitly and/or implicitly teaches:

 

Domestic Abuse Intervention Program

The educational component consists of classes designed to teach men how to end the use of controlling or abusive behaviors in the relationship with their intimate partners. Controlling/abusive behavior includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

Lectures, videos, discussion, and individual assignments are used to teach men to identify the types of controlling/abusive behaviors they have used in their relationships and to teach them non-controlling, non-abusive relationship skills.

DAIP does not provide individual or couples counseling in that these services are considered to be inappropriate and ineffective in addressing the problem of domestic violence. Additionally, legal services are not provided and DAIP staff do not advocate with the courts on behalf of its clients.

 

Participation

DAIP groups are comprised of men who have been charged with domestic abuse and ordered by the court or their parole/ probation officer.

Additionally, men can volunteer to enter into this program if they acknowledge their abusiveness. Voluntary participation is not intended to take the place of appropriate court action in cases of domestic assault.

The dynamics of abuse are such that the vast majority of domestic assaults are perpetrated by men. However, a group for women convicted of domestic abuse assault is also available.

Objectives

1. To teach the abuser that his acts of violence are a means of controlling the partner’s actions, thoughts, and feelings.
   
   
2. To increase the abuser’s willingness to change his actions by examining the negative effects of his behavior.
   
   
3. To increase the abuser’s understanding of the causes of his violence by examining the cultural and social contexts in which he uses violence against his partner.
   
   
4. To provide the abuser with practical information on how to change abusive behavior by exploring non-controlling and nonviolent ways of relating to women.
   
   
5. To encourage the abuser to become accountable to those he has hurt through his use of violence.

 

Participation in the Domestic Abuse Intervention Program Requires:

1. The initiation of a request for DAIP services through the Seasons Center for Community Mental Health.
2. Completion of an Initial Assessment with a DAIP clinical staff member.
3. One and a half hour orientation session.
4. Twenty four weekly one and a half hour class sessions.
5. Compliance with attendance, payment, and participation required.

 

Victim Services

Partners of abusive men will be referred to their local domestic violence victims project to obtain information on safety planning options, counseling, and available resources. At the time of contact, the Domestic Abuse Intervention Program will be explained. The partner will also be asked to provide a history of the abuse.

 

Cost

The fee for the initial DAIP assessment is $75.00. The cost of the Orientation Session and each of the 24 classes is $30.00. Payment is required at the time of service. Community service can be used as an alternative to payment for the orientation and class sessions.

 

Location and Class Times

Men’s Group

Spencer - Monday 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Emmetsburg - Tuesday 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Storm Lake - Wednesday 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Spirit Lake- Thursday 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Estherville - Thursday 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Women’s Group

Spencer - Wednesday 4:00-5:30 p.m.

 

Follow-up Services

After the successful completion of the DAIP class, other assessment or intervention services may be appropriate, and

referral recommendations will be provided by staff.

 

DAIP Coalition

DAIP is a community-based response to the problem of domestic violence. Success of these efforts requires that there be coordination among all services involved with batterers and victims. In order to facilitate this effort, an important component of DAIP is the DAIP Coalition which is made up of representatives from those concerned services such as law enforcement, the judicial system, probation and victim programs.

 

Mission

To work towards reducing the incidence of domestic violence and insuring the safety of women.

If you have any further questions regarding this program, or if you would like to arrange for an Initial Assessment or make a referral to DAIP Services, please contact us.