ABUSE PREVENTION GROUP FOR WOMEN (APGW)

APGW is a mental health program designed to address domestic violence. APGW works towards empowering women to maximize their safety, manage their anger and participate actively, responsibly and assertively in interactions. To facilitate change APGW will use cognitive interventions, educational material, exchange of ideas and sharing experiences. To further facilitate alternatives and provide for maximum safety, APGW works closely with community resources, which advocate for the protection of abused partners. We recognize that partner abuse is not specific to heterosexual couples, neither is it confined to any one group or class of people. APGW will make every reasonable, good faith effort to provide culturally sensitive service to all women who request participation in the program.

APGW PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Acceptance Criteria:
Women are appropriate to participate in APGW if/when:

• The client has been a witness or victim of domestic violence. The client has used force or threatening behavior against another, most often an intimate partner, past or present. The client acknowledges and accepts responsibility, at least in part, for their behaviors and has some willingness to change. Clients with history of substance abuse must demonstrate at least 3 months nonuse and stability. The client may be asked to participate in a substance abuse assessment.
• Clients with history of mental illness issues such as mania, major depression or psychosis must have at least three months stability with adequate case management.
  

Women participate in screening to determine appropriateness for attending APGW groups and to ask questions about the program.

Time Line:
Assessment - 2 sessions
Group treatment - 24 sessions
Exit Interview - 1 session

Referral Process:
The referring party must submit a referral packet containing information regarding the incident (e.g. police report), court disposition and a referral for services. Both referrals and voluntary participation in APGW are accepted. Referral sources and clients should call (608) 252-1320 and ask for APGW Intake.

Assessment:
Assessment is completed in two appointments. This would include gathering information about past/present abuse, family and personal history, mental status and substance abuse.

Group Treatment:
The APGW group is cognitive behavior therapy. Women will be given materials to be reviewed, discussed and practiced. They will also be talking about things happening in their individual lives. The group component consists of 24 sessions plus a final exit interview. Individuals are expected to be prompt and to attend consecutive sessions of group.

Specialized Group:
Abuse Prevention Group for Lesbians. Ask for the Intake Triage Coordinator. (608)252-1320 or (608)252-1325 ext 1122.

Email Family Service for more information on APGW or APGL.