Domestic Violence Intervention Project

A treatment program to give people tools to have safe and loving relationships.

How does it work?

If you are a defendant in this program, you will: 

• Meet with a probation counselor and community-based counselors.
• They evaluate you.
• They decide the best treatment for you.
• You get a treatment team.
• Finish the treatment.
• Go to your hearings.

What are the steps?

1. Assessment

Meet with a counselor and service providers. Answer questions about your life. Be honest. We want to get to know you so we can make an intervention plan that works. 

NO HARM (IMMUNITY AGREEMENT): Because we ask you to be honest, we agree that nothing you say during treatment will be used against you in your criminal case. The Prosecutor also agrees not to use anything you say to file new charges against you. This is so you can be completely open and get the help you need.  

2. Treatment Team

The counselor will set up your team. Your team includes:

• Your probation counselor
• Your domestic violence treatment provider
• A victim advocate
• Substance abuse counselor if needed
• Mental health counselor if needed     

Your team will meet regularly to review your progress. Your team's goal is not to punish, but to help you succeed. We care about you and your family.

3. Intervention Plan   

We offer three levels of treatment:  

Level One:

• At least 26 weekly group sessions
• One-on-one counseling as needed   

Level Two:

• At least 39 weekly group sessions
• One-on-one counseling as needed

Level Three:

• At least 52 weekly group sessions
• One-on-one counseling as needed

Court Hearings

You must come to review hearings. The Court will check in with you and your team. The judge wants to see your progress. The judge will make sure that you complete the program. Your first hearing is around 60 days from your referral to our program. You will have hearings around 6 months and 12 months after that. 

How can I be successful in the program?

• Attend all required group sessions.
• Work to identify and understand your behavior.
• Work to own your behavior.
• Work to change your behavior.
• Finish all your homework. Your homework helps you apply group talks to yourself.
• Show us that you are taking care of yourself and your family safely.
• Show up for all your hearings.

If You Are the Victim of Abuse

The above program is for defendants. We set up this program to help the whole family be safe and well.

We have resources for domestic violence victims. Please visit our victim resources page.

Questions?

Contact SMC Probation Services: (206) 684-7840