The Impact of a Batterers' Program on Battered Women

Abstract

Twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted with battered women whose partners had completed a batterers' intervention program (BIP) that was administered by a women's shelter in a Canadian urban setting. Interview questions broadly explored women's experiences with the BIP, including what, if any, differences they perceived after their partners completed intervention, and how the women accounted for such changes. Respondents reported a variety of experiences, most of which appeared beneficial for them. Major themes were (a) feelings of enhanced safety, (b) a sense of enhanced personal well-being, (c) feeling validated by program counselors, and (d) increased knowledge regarding abusive behaviors.