Recognizing that batterers' treatment programs comprise but one component in an integrated effort to decrease the incidence of domestic violence, the Governor's Commission on Domestic Violence recommends the following elements be the basis of all batterers' treatment. These tenets are the basis of the programs understanding of domestic violence. The safety of the victim is primary.
Violence is an intentional act.
Battering is the systematic use of physical, force, threats and emotional abuse to maintain dominance and control in relationships with wives or partner, our society. The learned use of violence can be unlearned. Substance abuse is a problem separate from domestic violence and requires specialized treatment. Mediation and couples counseling can be dangerous for women. Treatment providers must not communicate in ways that perpetuate attitudes of sexism, victim-blaming, racism, classism, ageism, or homophobia.