Choosing Nonviolence

Kevin A. Fall, PhD, is professor and program coordinator in the department of counseling, leadership, adult education, and school psychology at Texas State University–San Marcos.Shareen Howard, MS, is the mental health assessment specialist at the Denton County sheriff's office in Denton, Texas, where she provides services for inmates.Steven M. Vestal, MS, is a faculty member in the mental health and substance abuse program at San Jacinto College and also works with STEPS Counseling BIPP in Houston, Texas.

• Introduction for Group Leaders Introduction for Group Members 1. What You Need to Know Before Starting Group: The Road to Change 2. Defining Use of Force, Abuse and Battering 3. Achieving Nonviolence 4. Creating a Trusting Relationship 5. Giving and Receiving Respect 6. Accountability: Taking Responsibility for Yourself 7. Maintaining Positive Sexual Relationships 8. Negotiating a Partnership 9. Cooperating Through Good Communication 10. Parenting: How to Relate to Your Children 11. Creating Safety in Your Life 12. The Role of Drugs and Alcohol in Domestic Violence

"Choosing Nonviolence offers a practical tool for professionals facilitating women’s BIPP groups. Discussion exercises support opportunities for rich conversations, self-reflection and critical thinking."—Aaron P. Hernandez, consultant to battering intervention and prevention programs and director of the Pivot Program in Austin, Texas"This much-needed resource fills a void that balances compassion and accountability. The exercises and stories highlight differences in women’s experiences while maintaining accountability as the foundation for making changes and choosing nonviolence as a way of life."—Kathy Eubanks, MS, LPC, counselor at Denton County Friends of the Family