Alternatives to Domestic Violence A Homework Manual for Battering Intervention Groups

Alternatives to Domestic Violence, fifth edition, is an interactive treatment workbook designed for use with a wide variety of accepted curricula for intimate partner violence intervention programs. The new edition adds and revises the exercises and stories in every chapter, covering important areas including respect and accountability, maintaining positive relationships, parenting, substance abuse, and sexuality. Innovative chapters explore parenting, religion, communication, and substance abuse, and deepen readers’ understanding of controlling behavior. Chapters incorporate discussion of digital and internet-based abuse, and a new "Voice of My Partner" exercise has been added to core chapters to encourage group members to explore the impact of their behavior and learn and practice empathy-focused skills. Continuing the tradition of past editions, this edition not only focuses on the content of a good BIPP curriculum, but it also stresses the group process elements that form the backbone of any quality approach. Intimate partner violence group leaders and members will find this workbook to be a vital resource for adopting new strategies to lead a life of cooperation and shared power.

1. What You Need to Know Before Starting Group: The Road to Change 2. Defining Abuse and Battering 3. Achieving Nonviolence 4. Exploring and Defeating Intimidation 5. Creating a Trusting Relationship 6. Giving and Receiving Respect 7. Accountability: Taking Responsibility for Yourself 8. Maintaining Positive Sexual Relationships 9. Negotiating a Partnership 10. Cooperating Through Good Communication 11. Parenting: How to Relate to Your Children 12. Religion and Domestic Violence 13. The Role of Drugs and Alcohol in Domestic Violence 14. Considerations for Finishing Group References

Kevin A. Fall, PhD, is Professor and Chair of the Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology Department at Texas State University. He is the author of several books on the topics of domestic violence, group counseling, and counselor training. Shareen Howard, LPC, is in private practice in North Texas. She is the past director of battering intervention at Denton County Friends of the Family and mental health assessment specialist for the Denton County Sheriff’s Office.