Battering Intervention and Prevention Programs (BIPP) are specialized, multi-week programs for individuals who have used violence, controlling behavior, or abuse. The primary goal is to increase the safety of survivors and hold abusers accountable for their actions.

BIPP is NOT anger management, couples counseling, or individual therapy. Anger is an emotion, but violence is a choice. These other approaches can be ineffective or even dangerous in domestic violence situations because they don't address the core issue: one person's choice to exert power and control over another.

Accredited BIPPs use a group model, often separated by gender. The curriculum focuses on helping participants recognize their controlling behaviors, understand the impact on their partner and family, and learn new, non-abusive ways of relating to others. Topics include accountability, empathy, and challenging beliefs that support violence.

Accredited BIPP programs in Texas are survivor-centered. They must have policies for contacting the survivor to share information about the program and to help with safety planning. The safety and confidentiality of the survivor is the top priority.

In Texas, BIPP programs must be accredited by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Community Justice Assistance Division (TDCJ-CJAD). Unaccredited programs may not follow best practices and could put survivors at further risk.