Alternatives to Aggression (ATA) Men's

The Alternatives to Aggression Program is a mental health program designed to address domestic violence. Since its inception in 1978, ATA has provided a continuum of services in domestic violence treatment and prevention. ATA is based on the knowledge that domestic violence includes all forms of abusive and controlling actions. Domestic violence tends to become more frequent and severe without a clear, consistent message by the community that men must be held fully accountable for their abusive actions and a commitment on the abuser's part to change. Community Service (ATA) staff work to intervene on physical, sexual, emotional/psychological abuse, as well as challenge and educate the participants on the belief systems held by many individuals, that serve to promote and perpetuate domestic violence in our culture.

Alternatives to Aggression is staffed by professional, Master's level or Ph.D. level therapists with significant expertise in domestic violence and its specific treatment needs.

ATA Men's Program Description

Acceptance Criteria:

Client has committed an act or acts of domestic violence, which is defined as physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse of a past or present partner. (i.e. girlfriend, ex-girlfriend, wife, ex-wife).
There is no alcohol consumption or illegal drug use on the day of the session. If there is reason to believe that a client's alcohol or drug use may impede his progress in the program, a referral for an AODA assessment will be made.
Individuals with psychiatric issues will need to sign a release to obtain all background information (medical/psychiatric evaluation). The client must be staffed with the treatment team and referring party before being placed into group. A client should be started on medication, and stabilized for 2-3 months in order to benefit from ATA treatment.

Time Line:

Assessment ---2 to 3 one hour individual sessions Orientation group --- 6 weeks (flat fee of $10 a week plus one time manual fee $10= $70) insurance will not be billed until treatment group. Group treatment --- 24-two hour group sessions Exit Interview ---(1) one half/one hour individual session.

Referral Process:
The referring party must submit a referral packet containing information regarding the referral incident (e.g. police report) and the court disposition. The client is responsible for calling the ATA Intake at (608) 252-1320 or (608) 252-1325, ext. 1122 for an initial intake and to schedule an assessment.

Assessment:
Assessment is completed in 2-3 one hour individual sessions. One of these sessions may involve the current female partner (if she chooses to participate) to demonstrate the use of a time-out safety plan. This is done to clarify any misconceptions about ATA, increase safety of the partner, and provide her with supportive resources.

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Orientation Group: (TAP and Gen. Aggression excluded)
Orientation group is a 6-week education model designed to prepare participants for the treatment group. This aids in transition to the group process and orients participants to the terms and definitions of DV group work.

Group Treatment:
Clients are placed in individualized treatment groups according to their specific needs:

Standard ATA Men's Group:
Curriculum includes : holding men accountable for their abusive actions increasing awareness of the pattern of power and control tactics he has used against partner/s developing empathy for the suffering that his partner has endured developing assertiveness, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills developing anger management skills examining and challenging belief systems which lead to violence and abuse against partners identifying social and cultural factors that reinforce the belief that men can be abusive to women.

Generalized Aggression Group: (For more information click here)
Standard curriculum adapted for men who have a history of aggressive behavior not targeted at partners, (e.g. bar fights, etc.).

Gay Men's Same Sex Violence Group:
Standard curriculum adapted for men in same sex violence relationships. Close examination of Power and Control issues. 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. Clients need to demonstrate good knowledge of the material in order to be successfully completed from the ATA Men's program. More than two misses of a group sequence results in termination from the program.

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START DATE AND TIME:
Call (608)252-1320 or email us for specific information.

NUMBER OF ASSESSMENTS:
2-3 one-hour individual sessions.

NUMBER OF GROUPS:
24 groups (once per/week for 2 hours)

LOCATION OF GROUP:
Family Service, 128 E. Olin Avenue, Madison, WI
Call Family Service at (608)252-1320 and ask for intake for the ATA or Generalized Aggresion Services or email us for more information.