Domestic Violence - Abuser Resources

BIPs: A Definition

Domestic violence is not about your temper. It is about power and control over another person. Typically, there are different reasons why someone loses his or her temper versus someone who forces his or her will onto another person. Therefore a batterer needs to follow a very different path to understand why he does what he does from someone who has trouble controlling his anger. Batterer Intervention Program providers are also certified by the state and operate under the supervision of family violence agencies.  A Batterer Intervention Program is a 48-week program, while an Anger Management Course has no set duration.  

Batterers Intervention Programs or BIPs provide education about domestic violence. Each Program offers forty eight 1½ hour sessions. Programs listed below with an (*) are certified by the State of Maine Department of Corrections to operate in Cumberland County.

Abuser Education Program*

The Abuser Education program is the oldest running education program in Maine. The Abuser Education Program challenges patterns of thinking. A new way of reflective thinking can lead to accepting responsibility and change. Although not group therapy or counseling, we believe a smaller group, 10-15 men, lends itself to effective education in a respectful environment. The fee is $30/class, with an intake fee of $50. 

Co-Facilitators Jerry and Betsy Grondin are active member of the Maine Association of Batterers Intervention Programs.

Classes held at:

They will make an appointment for intake within 24 hours of your initial call. Intakes (initial registrations) occur at 430 Gray Road, West Falmouth.

A Different Choice Domestic Violence Education Program*

A Different Choice is an educational component in a coordinated community response to end domestic violence. The curriculum, derived from three nationally accepted intervention models, offers a comprehensive, easily understood representation of the beliefs that generate and support men’s violence against women. Our ultimate goal is a learning environment in which men can make the choice to change.

All program intakes (initial registration) carry a cost of $40 and must be scheduled in advance. The fee for the program is based on a sliding scale between $20 and $40 per week. A fee determination is made based on income and the number of children being financially supported. 

Classes held at:

Opportunity for Change*

Opportunity for Change is part of Cumberland County’s coordinated community response to the crime of domestic violence. Classes examine the ideas of power and control in intimate relationships that are often used to justify domestic violence.

Feeds are based on a sliding scale, between $25 and $35 per week. Participants may choose to attend one of the scheduled weekly classes. 

Classes held at:

Violence No More