Elements Needed for Quality Batterer Intervention Programs: Perspectives of Professionals Who Deal with Intimate Partner Violence

Batterers intervention programs (BIPs) constitute a primary intervention for perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). There is little understanding as to what elements are necessary for a good intervention program. We conducted 36 individual semi-structured interviews with professionals working with BIPs. Our results yielded three thematic categories: (1) optimal BIP structure-group size and program duration should foster change and interaction, (2) facilitator characteristics-co-facilitation is ideal, and facilitators should have IPV training, and (3) program approaches-programs should challenge their clients on their behavior, promote an environment of safety and openness, and strive to adapt to clients.