California Domestic Violence (DV) Classes – How It Works

The Batterers’ Intervention Program (“BIP”) is a set of 52 weekly, two-hour classes you must complete as part of your probation if convicted of domestic violence (“DV”). It does not matter if your conviction is for a misdemeanor or a felony.

DV classes are a combination of education and counseling that focus on:

• The causes of abusive behavior and family violence and intimate partner violence;
• The effects of the use of violence and abusers have on a victim; and,
• Changes that must take place to prevent repeat domestic violence offenses and law enforcement domestic violence intervention.

Our California criminal defense attorneys will discuss the following re. the Batterers’ Intervention Program:

• 1. How do I complete the program?
• 2. What convictions require DV classes?
• 3. What is the curriculum?
• 4. What if I drop out of the program?
• 5. Are there other terms of probation?
• Additional Resources

1. When do I have to complete the program?

If you are granted probation for domestic violence in California, you have to complete the DV classes within the next 18 months. The classes take place at a local counseling center.¹

The court clerk should give you information on how to enroll; if not, you can search the internet for court-authorized classes. The judge may require you to show proof of enrollment.

You are allowed a maximum of three absences during the program. Plus, these absences must be for “good cause.”

Note you must pay for DV classes yourself. The cost typically depends on your financial status.²

2. What convictions require DV classes?

In California, the Batterers’ Intervention Program is a condition of probation for any domestic violence offense. Domestic violence is abuse committed against your:

• Current or former spouse;
• Current or former cohabitant.
• Current or former romantic partner;
• Co-parent;
• Relative.³

Domestic violence probation typically must last three years.⁴ The most common DV-related crimes are:

• Domestic battery (243(e)(1) PC) and
• Inflicting corporal injury on an intimate partner (273.5 PC).⁵

A BIP is a combination of psycho-educational education and counseling.

3. What is the curriculum?

In California, the Batterers’ Intervention Program includes:

• Lectures,
• Group discussions, and
• One-on-one counseling sessions.⁶

A few of the program’s components are:

• An initial intake where you learn of the different types of domestic abuse and the techniques for stopping them;
• Strategies to hold you accountable for the violence in a relationship;
• Programming that looks at the effects of abuse on children;
• Periodic progress reports; and,
• A final evaluation and a certificate of completion.⁷

You must attend group sessions free of chemical influence and substance abuse.⁸ Further, you must sign a confidentiality agreement that prohibits the disclosure of information learned, or obtained, through participation in the program.⁹

4. What if I drop out of the program?

A Batterers’ Intervention Program is a condition of domestic violation probation in California. One of the benefits of probation is that the judge typically “suspends” your jail or prison sentence.

If you do not complete the DV classes – and the judge finds you to be in violation of probation – the court can punish you by revoking your probation and “unsuspending” your jail or prison sentence. In short, you can be remanded into custody.¹⁰

A Batterers’ Intervention Program (“BIP”) is 52 weeks of DV classes.

5. Are there other terms of probation?

Attending DV classes is just one condition of domestic violence probation in California. Other possible terms include:

• A restraining order requiring you to stay away from the allege victim;¹¹
• Community service; and,
• A minimum payment of $500.

Note you will also lose your gun rights following a DV conviction. Courts have repeatedly ruled that such restrictions do not violate the Second Amendment right to bear arms.¹²

Additional Resources

Just some of the California court-approved providers of domestic violence classes are the following (but check with the court clerk beforehand to make sure they still recognize the provider):

• Course for Violence
• Adaptive Skills
• DV Class
• S2SDVonline
• Stop DV Class

Legal References: