What are modern methods of education?

What is the "Batterer's Education Program"? What science are thier methods based on?

• Is the program self-justified by a vague theory (such as "The Duluth Model"), or is it a scam designed with the specific intent to increase the recidivism rate thus ensureing the promulgation of such programs in a thus far successful effort to harvest profits from the neediest of the needy? After all, being forced to watch "vignettes" of "perps" abuseing "victims", over and over again for 24 to 36 weeks, 2 hours a night, once or twice a week, predictably has a tendency to reassure the abusers that domestic violence is a way of life, and repeated offenses mean only more classes (instead of jail). Exposure Therapy inceases recidivism. Period. What qualifications do the providers need? Are they required to display thier credentials like your doctor, lawyer, dentist, teacher, and veteraniarian has too? Who do the staff answer too? Do your tax dollars fund this scam? What about this radical idea I dreamed up: when someone hits another person, maybe they should go to jail.

• Answer:

  I think the court system has to divert these offenders to keep them out of the system, period. Recidivism is rampant across the board for all types of offenders. The Duluth model is just the program these businesses follow. So, any material included is really supposed to be the catalyst for discussion, not meant to normalize the behavior. However, it's up to the Facilitator to make that known to the group. Theoretically, repeated offenses should earn you jail time at some point, especially if the seriousness is elevated. I don't think you will find a valid argument or much research stating that "exposure therapy increases recidivism" in the court mandated classroom, perhaps that is the case if you are exposed in the general population. Most of the people who provide this service had to sit in on a class for months,,,I seem to remember 60 something hours over six months and then they can co-facilitate. Eventually, they could become the Facilitator if they chalk up enough hours. I do not think they need to post their qualifications. Most are unqualified. The staff usually answers to the owner of the business. Offenders are charged to attend this class, however, I suspect that the people who own these businesses are contracted by the court system to provide the services. I suspect you have been the victim of battering or know someone who is...my advice to you/them is to get as far away as possible from that person. This is a behavior that men(mostly men) develop. Police officers are the number one abusers of women. These offenders do not get better. They still have every tendancy they started with, which is to abuse those they think they have or desire to have power over. This program, nor any other is going to help what is innate to this offender. In most cases, they learned this behavior by witnessing it at home. good luck!!!