Violence Intervention and Prevention Program

The "MEN AT WORK" program is designed to sensitize participants to inappropriate behaviors being displayed when attempting to engage partners, family, and friends by means of abusive overtones and violent actions. Participates are challenged to understand and accept responsibility for the past, while engaging in an activity that will bring awareness of abusive attitudes, tendencies, and lifestyles. The program includes both domestic violence intervention classes and anger management classes.

The program has five pivotal points upon which is stands:

1. Abuse and violence are learned behaviors.
2. Abuse and violence are chosen behaviors.
3. Power and Control is gained by violent acts and emotional abuse.
4. Ending violent and abusive behavior is a choice.
5. Executing nonviolent/abusive behavior is a process.

The program format is a combination of lecture, video, handout material, and class interaction. It is the desired goal that participants become more accountable for their serious offenses. In each program, participants are confronted about their behavior and given a framework in which to see their abuse/violence and how it produces a loss of safety in the home and on our public streets. The preventative and remedial benefits of probation in lieu of jail terms for first time offenders is also emphasized.

Sessions are conducted in a non-judgmental, educational environment. Groups meet on a weekly basis for (2) two hours. The domestic violence intervention class meets for a total of 26 - 52 weeks. The anger management class meets for a total of 16 weeks. After completion of all classes, after-care is free.

After completing these programs, participants will have a clearer understanding of Michigan Law as it relates to their behavior and will become sensitized to the probable negative consequences, to the quality of their lives, if they choose to engage or reengage in abusive/violent behavior. Participants are encouraged to accept responsibility for the behavior(s) that contributed to their arrest in addition to accepting the legal consequences of their actions.

Dominion Family Services has a professional staff that works with women, men, and children. Group and one-on-one sessions are available. When abuse and violence are a part of a family, all members of that family need access to services.

1.) VIOLENCE IS A LEARNED BEHAVIOR

Violence is learned from cultural messages that say violent behavior is an acceptable process by which one's needs are adequately met. Some sources of the messages are: Media, Print, Music, etc…

2.) VIOLENCE IS A CHOSEN BEHAVIOR

While men often say "I was out of control" during episodes of violence or that their partner "pushed buttons," abusive behavior is always a choice, i.e. part of their arsenal of control.

3.) POWER AND CONTROL IS GAINED BY VIOLENCE

The belief that power and control (getting the upper hand and keeping it), is at the root of violent behavior is evident by the tactics used against the partner. This pecking order style of thinking can be seen in every place where authority is an issue. The tactics used are not an end in themselves, but tools in an arsenal of weapons designed for defensive and offensive actions. Since this person usually does not trust extensively, he must protect his own interests.

4.) ENDING VIOLENT BEHAVIOR IS ALSO A CHOICE

Domestic Violence Intervention Programs are not magical, or hypnotic. They require hard work and commitment on the part of the participant, not just while they are apart of the program, but in following through on its principles after being educated. Although we are encouraged to begin the process of choosing nonviolent behavior, violent behavior needs to end NOW! Ending violence is possible and PRACTICAL!

5.) EXECUTING NONVIOLENT/ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR IS A PROCESS

Because of planting bad seeds in the lives of people around us, difficulties will arise while working to implement different behavioral patterns. Men are challenged to initiate alternatives to abusive behavior as discussed in group sessions. Men will need to let people get used to their new behavioral styles.

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