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Domestic Abuse Project Men's Treatment Program Manual

NCJ Number
160343
Date Published
1993
Length
216 pages
Annotation
This manual contains ideas, methods, and materials that the Domestic Abuse Project (DAP) in Minneapolis, Minn., has found useful in working with men who batter their partners.
Abstract
The treatment program is based upon an orientation, followed by a series of at least 20 sessions that are arranged into two separate, overlapping series: education sessions and process sessions. Each client completes an intake session before beginning the process component. The orientation session helps clients assess their willingness to participate in the program and provides the DAP facilitator an opportunity to assess clients' readiness to participate. The education sessions consist of a DAP facilitator presenting information and materials in a lecture format. Over 10 education sessions, the group is presented a new topic each week, including the costs and payoffs of abusive behavior, cultural violence, and the consequences of violence. The intake session is a one-on-one session with a facilitator and the client to assess whether the client is ready and willing to change his abusive behavior and participate in the treatment program. Information on the client's history and current status is also obtained. During the process sessions, group members work through their feelings, discuss their abusive behavior, and give and receive feedback in the group. Before finishing the process series, each client completes a set of three individual presentations to the group. They consist of each individual's own abusive behavior and changes in their behavior while attending the group. Handouts are included in the manual. A 110-item bibliography for facilitators