Every family has its issues, but violence should never be one of them. Stopping domestic violence can save relationships, rehabilitate offenders, and prevent childhood abuse. A Family Violence Intervention Program, or FVIP, serves to hold family violence offenders accountable and give them the tools to change their behaviors.
It also prioritizes victim safety by removing the offender from the equation until they’re dealt with appropriately.
Here are some of the advantages of FVIP and how to enroll in a Family Violence Intervention Program.
1. Minimizes Legal Issues
One of the best reasons for a domestic violence offender to play along with the program is because it can help with their legal issues. For a court looking at whether or not to revoke child custody or visitation, participation in FVIP can look promising. It shows that the offender is seeking or accepting help.
Participation in a Family Violence Intervention Program or an anger management class may also be court-ordered.
2. Address the Source of the Problem
Some of the reasons domestic abusers take their anger out on their family members can include anger management issues, feelings of inferiority, and learned behaviors. They may also only lash out when they’ve been drinking or abusing drugs.
An important part of attending an FVIP is rooting out the source of their violent tendencies. What triggers a violent episode and what are healthy ways to redirect or address those feelings?
In some cases, a Family Violence Intervention Program can be the first step to a much longer, and sorely needed, recovery process.
3. Repair Your Relationships
Domestic violence can make or break a relationship. However, some people are hesitant to leave their partner when this abusive behavior is a recent development. In these cases, a Family Violence Intervention Program can save a relationship before things get worse.
An FVIP also serves as a safe place to address issues that a person may be too self-conscious or insecure to discuss elsewhere.
4. Communicate Better
Unhealthy communication styles cause problems in even the best of relationships. In abusive relationships, it can mean the abused partner never feels like they have a chance to speak out.
Family Violence Intervention Programs provide ample opportunity for families to not only tell each other how they feel but also develop the tools to communicate better moving forward. They can determine whether or not this relationship can be salvaged and what the terms for that would look like.
5. Learn Healthy Behaviors
Part of the reason why domestic violence offenders do the things they do is that they don’t know better alternatives. When they get angry, they lash out with violence. Or maybe they’ve been taught since childhood that aggression is the only way to get what they want.
An FVIP aims to teach you what went wrong in your relationship and what healthy behaviors look like. You can learn the skills you need to improve your relationships and fix the problems that led to your enrollment in the program.
6. Unlearn Toxic Behaviors
Likewise, a Family Violence Intervention Program can help you unlearn toxic behaviors that have likely been taught to you since childhood. Maybe you’ve seen a parent dominate the household with physical aggression. Or maybe a past partner only responded in your favor with certain behaviors.
Physical abuse as a result of anger issues can also be dealt with in anger management classes. You’ll learn that anger is a choice and that it’s up to you what you do with those emotions.
7. Get Information and Resources
As with any class, an FVIP provides all the information and resources you need. Not only will you meet other people in a similar situation, but you can speak with professionals who will take the time to understand your point of view. Only then can they help you make the appropriate changes.
If you’re taking an online class, try attending group meetings to supplement the lessons.
8. Make Amends
Something that holds many people back from apologizing or dealing with their anger is guilt and self-hatred. Outside of therapy, people bottle up those emotions and it eventually explodes in the worst possible ways.
A Family Violence Intervention Program is the perfect opportunity to apologize and make amends for your past actions. You can’t undo your past actions, but you can pave a new, better path with understanding and respect.
9. Repair Your Image
Domestic abuse is a serious problem that doesn’t look good for a family. Most relationships keep it secret for a reason. Domestic violence in the workplace can result in termination, and your social relationships will suffer.
However, seeking and accepting treatment shows family, friends, and employers that you’re working to get better. Completing an FVIP proves to them that you’ve put in the time and are a better person for having done so.
10. Find Inner Peace
Many familial issues are a result of childhood traumas or guilt. It’s difficult for a person to face their problems and deal with them in their normal daily lives. That’s why therapy exists.
Transforming from the type of person who could cause physical abuse to a respectful partner takes time and effort. Domestic violence classes are only the beginning of your journey, but it’s a good first step to improving yourself. You may also find your life improving in other ways outside of your relationships.
Try Out a Family Violence Intervention Program
Although Family Violence Intervention Programs are often sentenced by a judge, they’re also an opportunity you should take advantage of. Not only can you become a better partner, but you can address the thought processes that cause problems in other aspects of your life.
This is all just some of what you’ll learn in a Family Violence Intervention Program. Stopping domestic violence begins with you.
If you’re interested in a Georgia Family Violence Intervention Program, give us a call. We’re available in Marietta, Lawrenceville, Duluth, Jonesboro, and Fayetteville.