What is the goal of domestic violence treatment?

To end abuser’s violent and abusive behavior
Increase victim safety
To hold batterers accountable

Washington State requires that these programs be state-certified. Although individual programs may vary, all must adhere to the minimum standards set by law. Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) employs one full-time and one part-time position to oversee all Washington state perpetrator treatment programs.

What about couples counseling?
We do not recommend couples’ counseling for victims of domestic violence. Couples’ counseling allows the batterer to stay focused on his criticisms of his partner, rather than dealing with his own problems. He may even retaliate against the victim physically or verbally for what she says to the counselor. Abuse is a problem in the abuser, not a problem in the relationship. It is also important to note that therapists in Washington State are not required to have any domestic violence training.

What about “Anger Management” programs?
Please click here for a full description of anger management programs.

In the past, it was thought that domestic violence was about problematic anger. It is now known to be about the abuser’s desire to control a partner using whatever behaviors are necessary. Many abusers are not angry when they use a control tactic. Abusers in treatment often say that they used their expression of anger as a way to intimidate and control their partners. Anger management programs are not designed to address the fundamental causes of domestic violence or safety and accountability issues. Anger management is not an appropriate alternative to domestic violence treatment.

How does the victim know if her partner is changing?
The victim is the best judge of whether real change is happening or not. Below are some positive changes in the abuser’s behavior that may indicate that his treatment is helping him to change his behavior.

Below are some signs the abuser is NOT changing.

The abuser:

• Uses treatment against you in any way
• Tells his partner that she is the abusive one
• Pressure his partner to go to therapy or couple’s counseling
• Tells his partner that she owes him another chance
• Says that his victim’s support is necessary for change
• Tries to get sympathy from his partner or their children
• Requires encouragement or nagging to attend sessions and stay in the treatment program
• Minimizes the abuse when talking about it in group (Victim can ask counselors to describe what is being said.)
• Expects something from his partner in exchange for being in the treatment program
• Pressure his partner to make up her mind about the relationship or to move back in together
• Pressures his partner to drop the protection order or he continually violates the order

Some indicators that the abuser’s behavior may be changing are:

• Does not blame his partner for his actions or behaviors
• Does not minimize the abuse
• Has completely stopped saying and doing things which frighten his partner
• Doesn’t punish the victim when she expresses anger
• Allows her to discuss upsetting topics without her feeling unsafe
• Listens to his partner’s opinion and respects it, even if it is upsetting
• Respects his partner’s wishes about sex and physical contact
• Allows his partner to spend time with friends and family without fear of retaliation
• Allows his partner to do others things that are important to her, such as going to school or getting a job
• Makes his partner and their children feel comfortable when interacting with the children
• Makes you feel safe leaving the children alone in his care
• Is supportive and gives complements; truly listens to you
• Shares in household work and childcare

Filing a complaint against a Batterers’ Treatment Provider (also known as Perpetrator Treatment):

Contact:

Roy Carson
Program Manage, DSHS-Division of Children Administration
PO Box 45710
Olympia, WA 98504-5710
(360) 902-7602
(360) 902-7906 TTY

Protocol for complaints and questions regarding Certified Batterers’ Treatment Programs:

The WAC (Washington Administrative Code) 388-60-220 authorizing perpetrator treatment certification states that complaints may be delivered in writing or verbally.

The Program Manager states that she would prefer complaint(s) be presented in writing, however, she will listen to all concerns transmitted to her. Her screening criteria will be the WAC Standards that govern perpetrator treatment practice in Washington State.

The statement should include 1) the alleged practice in question, 2) how this practice (whether an act of commission or omission) is not compliant with the WAC standard, 3) If possible, reference the WAC Standard being violated.

Please note that although the Program Manager does not reference where the complaint has come from, she cannot guarantee that the treatment provider will not figure out who made the initial complaint.

WAC Standard 388.60.230 – 388.60.240 Investigation Steps for Complaint

To read the Washington Administrative Code in its entirety, please click here.

The Program Manager will send a letter to the perpetrator treatment program stating the complaint and how the provider is potentially out of compliance. A copy of the DSHS letter will be held in their program file.

The perpetrator treatment program has 14 days to respond to the allegations.

An outcome determination will be declared to the program in writing. The consequences for the treatment provider range from a warning notification to suspension of certification to revocation of certification. The complainant will also be notified as to the outcome.

Developed by Joan Zegree and Meg Crager.

If you need assistance or if you have questions,
call our 24-hour crisis line
425-746-1940 or 1-800-827-8840
(V/TTY available 8am-5pm)

---

© 2000-2003 Eastside Domestic Violence Program