relationship intervention for abusers

Family Services has been conducting Time-Out, an abuser intervention program since 1985. Time-Out is a state certified, psycho-educational program open to court ordered and voluntary clients that addresses issues regarding abuse and control in relationships. Studies have shown that with appropriate intervention, the abusive person can learn new attitudes and new ways to resolve conflict. However, it is important to understand that these sessions are not a guarantee that someone who is abusive will stop their abusive and controlling behavior. Creating and maintaining personal change is an individual decision.

The program is conducted by credentialed, trained staff and meets in a weekly group setting. The program aims to confront the abuser as to his/her level of responsibility for the abuse, address underlying attitudes that support abuse, examine and change beliefs about relationships, and teach non-violent ways of dealing with interpersonal conflict. Additionally, members learn about the dynamics of abuse, skills for coping with stress, conflict resolution and effective non-violent communication techniques, societal influence on their behavior and the impact of abuse on children.

For further information about this service, please contact: Family Services, Inc., at (336) 722-8173.

Domestic violence is not just a problem of "normal" couple conflict, therefore couples counseling is inappropriate for addressing an imbalance of power and control in violent relationships. Domestic violence is also is a major public health problem and creates significant financial and intangible costs. Abusers must be held accountable for these costs.

The Costs of Domestic Violence are significant:
	Injuries and death
	Medical expenses; legal fees
	Emotional damages to adults and children
	Lost wages due to missed work
	School problems or aggression by children
	Moving/relocation expenses

Costs to communities include:
	Reduced safety within neighborhoods
	Increased intervention costs: police, court, medical, social agencies
	Increased costs for employers due to absences and poor work performance.

Communities need to hold abusers accountable for their actions to:
	Provide a strong legal and judicial response.
	Require abusers to participate in and pay for professional treatment for abusive behavior (and substance abuse, if needed). Intervention for the abuse increases the chances that the abuser will learn new attitudes and will learn new ways to resolve conflict.

Do You...
	Get upset when things don't go your way in your relationship?
	Swear at your partner, or put her/him down with a lot of criticism?
	Believe you should be the one to make the major decisions in your relationship?
	Get jealous?
	Try to intimidate your partner?
	Fight more when you have been drinking?
	Harass your partner at her/his job?
	Call/text your partner frequently to checkup on her/him?
	Throw things at your partner?
	Hit your partner with your fist?
	Push, grab, slap or shove your partner?
	Force sex on your partner?
	Threaten your partner with a gun or knife?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be appropriate for the Time-Out Program.