DUI - Driving Under the Influence

Domestic Violence Program

Program consists of 24 2-hour weekly sessions and an intake/orientation session. Participants can join the program on specific dates every three weeks and will be attending sessions once a week. There are no evaluation fees to join the program.

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES:

Chicago

* English group	Monday	6:00 - 7:30 PM
* Spanish group	Monday	6:00 - 7:30 PM
* Polish group	Thursday	7:00 - 8:30 PM

Arlington Heights

* English group	Saturday	9:30 - 11:00 AM
* Spanish group	Saturday	11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
* Polish group	Monday	6:00 - 7:30 PM

PRICING:

Domestic Violence / Substance Abuse Assessment (if required)
Group session
(sliding fee scale based on family income and number of dependents)
Total for the program
Individual sessions possible
Some insurance companies reimburse for the program

GOALS OF THE PROGRAM :

To stop abusive behavior and attitudes in all their forms
To take responsibility for handling all conflicts in a non-violent and non-controlling manner
To learn respectful ways to express needs and concerns
To understand the impact of abusive

Our staff remains in contact with court monitors and progress reports are sent on a regular basis.

Program sessions utilize: lectures, video materials, handouts, quizzes, group discussions, in-class exercises and homework assignments. Homework assignments are an important part of the program and failing to submit all the written assignments will result in unsatisfactory discharge from the program or withholding the certificate of program completion.

GENERAL RULES OF THE PROGRAM :

1.	Remain nonviolent and do not use threats while involved with the program.
2.	Come to class free of the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Participants will be given random breathalyzer tests.
3.	Do not use racist, sexist or vulgar language.
4.	Participate in the discussions and cooperate with the staff. Disturbing behavior will result in additional sessions and case worker/court notification.
5.	Come to class on time and stay till the end of the class. Being late 3 times will be counted as one missed session.
6.	Come to classes regularly. Only 2 sessions can be rescheduled during the entire program and each time a fee of $25 will be charged.
7.	Accept responsibility for your actions. Focus on yourself.
8.	Complete the homework assignments.
9.	Keep names and personal information you hear in class confidential.
10.	Pay the program fees in a timely manner.

These rules remain the same for court-mandated and voluntary clients.

The following themes are discussed, each during three consecutive sessions:

1.	Nonviolence.
2.	Nonthreatening Behavior.
3.	Respect.
4.	Support and Trust
5.	Honesty and Accountability
6.	Sexual Respect
7.	Partnership
8.	Negotiation and Fairness

Specific exercises used in classes include:

1.	Action plan
2.	Control logs
3.	Taking time-outs/cool-downs
4.	Recognizing anger cues
5.	Using positive self-talk
6.	Acknowledging women's fear
7.	Using assertive behavior
8.	Accepting women's anger
9.	Being aware of nonverbal cues
10.	Communicating feelings and thoughts
11.	Letting go
12.	Fair fighting and not needing to win

COUPLES / MARRIAGE COUNSELING:

It is our policy that the participants of the batterers program cannot simultaneously attend couples counseling. Those who are interested in marriage therapy first have to deal with their own use of violence and abusive behavior.

CONTACT WITH VICTIMS:

Our agency wants to make sure that the victims of violence are safe and participants of our program remain nonviolent.Therefore we contact the victim and/or other family members or friends while the participant is attending the program and within 18 months of its completion.

Our Domestic Violence Program for Batterers is approved by the Department of Human Services and consists of 26 two-hour sessions.

Survival Sheet

If your husband, boyfriend or domestic partner has ever been violent to you, it is likely to happen again. So even though you may be afraid, NOW is the time to prepare for another attack. Remember that your safety and the safety of your children depends on your readiness to act.

Begin to collect items now so that if you leave, you will have the things you'll need. Pack a suitcase and store it with a neighbor. Have quick access to important items such as car title and keys (make an extra set), birth certificates, lease, marriage license, public aid ID and medical cards, records of your husband's income, a list of friends' phone numbers, credit cards, blank checks and bank notes.

Defend and protect yourself. Call for help. If you call the police, a law requires the police to protect and assist you, and to see that you are taken to a safe place.

Get medical attention immediately. Tell the hospital staff who hurt you. Ask for pictures to be taken of any bruises. Get the name of the doctor and the hospital. Save evidence. Take pictures of broken furniture and any bruises from the incident. Save any torn clothing.

Domestic Violence Program

Survival Sheet

How to tell if you or someone you know is abused

Courts

Courts in the Suburbs