Participants are required to be evaluated at the Allegany County Health Department to determine if addictions treatment is appropriate. Failure to comply with the recommendations of ACHD results in termination from the AIP. Alcohol and drug addictions often intensify abusive behavior and participants generally do not progress if addictions problems are not treated concurrently during the offenders’ participation in the AIP.

The 12-weeks consists of psycho-education on abusive behavior, the effects of domestic violence on children, defense mechanisms used to deny, minimize, or blame the abuse on others, and other basic topics pertaining to violent and abusive behavior. Participants also discuss non-violent and non-threatening behavior, respect, honesty and accountability, negotiation and fairness, and other topics that foster equality, and appropriate behavior in intimate relationships.

Pre-tests, post-tests, homework assignments, group participation, and evaluations are used to measure the participants’ progress. Participants receive both positive and constructive feedback from other group members. Participants who are involved in further domestic violence during their enrollment in AIP may be terminated from the program and referred back to the court or other referring agency. A 24-week program is available for re-offenders.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE   •   RAPE/SEXUAL ASSAULT   •   CHILD SERVICES
CROSSROADS   •   ABUSE INTERVENTION