What is Domestic Violence Intervention Education Program?

The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIEP) came to fruition in 1980 as an initiative to reform the criminal justice system in Duluth, MN. At that time, there was little recourse or resources available to victims and their families when being assaulted by their intimate partners. Domestic Violence occurs when an individual believes he/she has the right to authority over another individual with whom they have an intimate relationship, including familial relationships.. The DVIEP Program looks to challenge beliefs regarding relationships, lack of equality in relationships, any need for power and control in relationships; and consequences of violence not only for perpetrators of violence, but for their partners and children moving forward.

What to Expect?

You can expect to have an intake appointment that takes approximately 1-1.5 hr.  The intake appointment will include an explanation of program rules and guidelines, an assessment of your income for our sliding scale fees, a complete personal/family history, review of all court documents/charges, current medications and review of any medical history you may have. We offer classes on a flexible schedule to include mornings, evenings and weekends.  This is a 26 week program which includes monthly reporting to the court/probation.  Throughout the 26 week program, we will explore what it means to live a nonviolent life, we look at the dynamics of an abusive relationship such as : intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, coercion, threats, economic abuse, male privilege, minimizing, denying, blaming, use of the children and sexual/physical violence. 

Who is it for?

Domestic Violence is a societal problem that affects many families, who often suffer in silence, until there is police involvement.   A neighbor, a family member or the victim may contact the police, looking to make the violence stop.  Although many of the participants in the DVIEP program are adjudicated through the court based on a history of a protection from abuse (PFA) being filed against them;  DVIEP is for anyone who has come to the conclusion that he/she has been abusive in their relationship, perhaps even used violence toward their partner.  The key components of this program are education, awareness and accountability regarding behaviors that lead to abuse and violence.  The goal of this program is to become aware and be held accountable for behaviors that support victimization of another individual.