A Tennessee State Certified Program - Seeking to End Domestic Violence!

The Abuse Intervention with Life Skills Program (AILS) is certified by the State of Tennessee and is classified as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization serving Hamilton County and the surrounding counties for individuals charged with domestic violence or domestic assault. Some men or women also attend the program as a result of an order of protection issued by family court. Fees are based upon a sliding scale. This agency does not discriminate against race, religion, sex, sexual preference, national origin, age or disability. Classes are gender separate.

AILS is the most extensive, informed and interactive resource to date examining the complex realities of abuse. Classes utilize video presentations using the Power and Control Log illustrating abusive actions used by abusers to gain control of their partners. The intent of the abusive actions viewed in the videos are the basis of analysis and discussion. Participants identify and explore the beliefs that support actions, justifications, and rationales for abusive behavior. Feelings that surround the abusive actions are explored. Ways of minimizing abuse, denying responsibility, or blaming the victims are recognized. Patterns of past abuse are identified and the consequences of these actions on the victims and the participants are described. The participants are shown in a number of ways that acts of violence are related and not just single incidents. Participants learn non-violent behaviors to replace abusive ones through class discussion and the use of the Power and Control Log.

AILS consists of one intake session followed by 26-weeklyclasses. Each class lasts one and1one-half hours. The curriculum uses two important tools that help participants develop critical thinking: short video clips or vignettes of battered victims portraying incidents of abuse and the Power and Control Log as a guide which is divided into eight segments that help the class and the facilitator analyze the vignettes. This Log is also used to analyze the participants’ abusive actions. The Log and videos are totally intertwined in this curriculum. The video is the visual and the Log is the method used to process and explore abusive actions.

Although AILS is not part of the court system, a report is made to the court or probation officer about an individual’s class participation. Participants may be suspended from the program if they re-offend, fail in attendance requirements, or become uncooperative. Consequences of suspension could range from spending time in jail, starting the program over, or attending additional classes. If participants are convicted of a violation of the court’s order, they may be required to complete the previously sentenced term. In order to avoid dismissal from the program, participants must attend each session, participate, and complete the program.

AILS requires the participant’s completion of the non-violence classes before beginning couples’ counseling. It is essential that the participants first deal with their own use of violence and abusive behaviors. They must make a commitment to remain non-violent in their relationships.

Goals for Participants:

Stop abuse

Learn alternative behaviors

Examine beliefs and behaviors that support domestic violence

Expand definitions of violence and controlling behaviors

Explore the effects of violence on others

What Can Be Expected from AILS:

To be treated with respect

To be informed of current status with the program (how many classes completed and potential suspension from the program)

To be assured the information shared in classes is kept confidential, except where there is concern for safety of the participant or others, and reports of further violence

To be equipped to identify and practice non-controlling alternatives

The Abuse Intervention with Life Skills Program covers a wide variety of topics in 26 weeks:

Topic 1 – Using Intimidation

Making him or her afraid by using looks, actions, gestures, smashing things, etc.

Topic 2 – Using Emotional Abuse

Putting him or her down, making her feel bad about herself, calling her names, etc.

Topic 3 – Using Isolation

Controlling what he or she does, who she sees and talks to, where she goes, etc.

Topic 4 - Minimizing, Denying and Blaming

Making light of the abuse, saying the abuse didn’t happen, shifting responsibility, etc.

Topic 5 – Using Children

Threatening to take away the children, using visitation to harass him or her, etc.

Topic 6 – Using Male Privilege

Treating him or her like a servant, making all the big decisions, acting like the ”master of the castle”

Topic 7 – Using Economic Abuse

Preventing him or her from getting or keeping a job, or taking her money, etc.

Topic 8 – Using Coercion and Threats

Making or carrying out threats to do something to hurt him or her, threatening to leave him or her or to commit suicide, making him or her drop charges, etc.

NOTES:

Pre-registration is required at least 48 hours before class to ensure enrollment

Registration fee is non-refundable