Domestic Violence and Batterers Intervention Programs (BIP)

At CMET we offer the BIP group specifically designed for men who abuse their partners.  Some people may ask: "what constitutes abuse?"  Abuse comes in many different forms, it is not only the most obvious - physical- such as punching, kicking, slaping, pushing, shoving, chocking, etc. Abuse is also psychological, sexual, economic, mental/emotional abuse.  Many women who have endured an abusive relationship, report that the worst and most damaging type is the emotional abuse. The women are broken down to their lowest point by their men who constantly insult, denigrate, belittle, and objectify their partners causing longer term damage.  Men who attend our groups learn about the Power and Control Wheel. It  contains eight areas of abusive behaviors. Using emotinal abuse includes: putting her down, making her feel bad about herself, calling her names, making her think she is crazy, playing mind games, humiliating her and making her feel guilty.  The goal for the group is men to learn the other side of the wheel, which is the Equality Wheel and apply Respect as a form of eliminating faulty behaviors.  Examples of Respect are: listening to her non-judgementally, being emotionally affirming and understanding and valuing opinions. 
In my experience working with men in the BIP group, I can say that men can change once their beliefs are challenged and they accept their responsibility for the aggression.  Some men understand the relationship of having witnessed domestic violence as a child and the impact/damage it has caused in their life and in the lives of those around them.

Stalking

Nearly 1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men will be stalked at least once in their lifetime! That is a huge number considerering 1.5 million people in the United Staes are stalked every year.  Women account for the most number of victims being stalked translating into about 1 million.  Each stalking behavior may not be considered "abnormal" if it is in isolation."   But once the staking behaviors are grouped together, then it can become very dangerous.  Some stalking behaviors are: assaulting the person, sending cards, gift, killing hte victim's pets, threatnening, sexual assault, violation of restraining orders, harrassment, leaving constant voice mails, following the victim and waiting for the victims outside the home, job,  using GPS systems, checking  the victims e-mail, going to the victim's job, etc.   Stalking is illigal, in fact, it is illigal in all 50 states!.  Victms should report these behaviors to authorities for their safety.  Prevention is crucial in combatting this problem.  One  idea is to document all evidence so once it is presented to the authorities, they can begin the investingation process and provide you with more ways on how to protect yourself.   Stalking should be considered very serious and dangerous and although we tend to think that only celebreties are stalked, that is a myth.  Most people who stalk know their victims very well and they may currently be in an intimate relationship.  If you are a vicitm of stalking or know somebody who is, do not think that it will go away.  The damage is real and the sense of safety may be lost.  Please seek help either with us (954) 835-5741, or contact your local authorities. If you want more information about staking, you can visit www.ncvc.org/src