How long is the BAN Program?

ACT’s current page describes BAN as a 29-week Batterers’ Intervention Program. Confirm the current schedule and attendance requirements when registering.

Is BAN the same as Anger Management?

No. ACT currently lists them as separate programs. The BAN Program focuses specifically on domestic violence, abusive behavior, accountability, power and control, and nonviolent alternatives. Anger Management is a psychoeducational program focused more specifically on understanding anger, recognizing escalation, and practicing different responses.

Are sessions individual or group based?

ACT’s current page states that counseling sessions for these programs are provided in a group format.

Are programs available for men and women?

Yes. The current BAN Program page states that groups are available for men and women. Contact ACT for current group availability.

What if I was ordered or referred to attend?

Contact ACT with information about your referring agency and the program you were instructed to complete. ACT’s current program includes monitoring and reporting to referring agencies.

Does ACT contact the victim?

The current BAN Program information lists victim contact regarding safety issues as part of program services. ACT should provide the current policy and explain what information, if any, is shared as part of this process.

What happens before I start?

ACT’s existing fee schedule lists separate charges for an assessment, orientation, and intake, suggesting that one or more of these steps may occur before regular group participation. Contact ACT for the current enrollment process.

How much does the program cost?

BAN is not listed as a free victim service. ACT’s current page includes participant fees and states that a sliding-scale fee schedule is available. See the current fee section below or contact ACT before registering.

What happens if I miss a group?

The current page does not explain attendance, absence, or make-up policies. Contact the BAN Program directly for current attendance requirements, especially if your participation was ordered or required by a referring agency.

Will ACT report my attendance?

ACT’s current page states that the program includes strict monitoring and reporting to referring agencies. If you were referred by another agency, ask ACT what information will be reported and what documentation you are responsible for providing.

BAN Program

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Accountability is the starting point for change

ACT’s BAN Program is a 29-week Batterers’ Intervention Program focused on helping participants understand domestic violence and replace abusive, intimidating, threatening, or violent behaviors with safer and nonviolent alternatives.

Participants are encouraged to recognize the effects of their behavior on partners, children, themselves, and others.

Recognize abusive behavior

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Learn how behaviors involving intimidation, isolation, threats, violence, power, and control can affect another person.

Take responsibility

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The program addresses denial, minimizing abusive behavior, and blaming other people for anger or loss of control.

Interrupt escalation

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Participants learn strategies intended to help them recognize escalating behavior and respond differently.

Build communication skills

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Group sessions address communication, listening, problem solving, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.

Practice nonviolent alternatives

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Participants work on developing different behaviors, attitudes, and responses to conflict.

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Recognizing patterns is part of changing them

The current BAN Program teaches participants to identify patterns that can contribute to abusive or violent behavior.

Denying that abusive behavior occurred
Minimizing the seriousness of abusive behavior
Blaming a partner or another person
Using intimidation or threats
Trying to isolate or control another person
Using violence during conflict
Difficulty recognizing escalating behavior
Confusing control with conflict resolution
Harmful expectations about gender roles
Difficulty communicating or listening
Responding aggressively rather than assertively
Repeating patterns that affect partners, children, and families

Understanding cycles of violence

The current ACT program describes a pattern in which tension can build, abusive behavior occurs, and remorse or promises may follow.

The purpose of intervention is to help participants recognize harmful patterns and develop different responses rather than continuing them.

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Find the program that matches your referral or needs

Healing doesn’t happen all at once. We are here to support you at every stage, from immediate safety to long-term recovery.

BAN — Batterers’ Intervention Program

A 29-week intervention program focused on domestic violence, accountability, power and control, communication, and nonviolent behavior.

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Anger Management

A psychoeducational group focused on understanding anger, recognizing escalation, and practicing different responses.

ACT’s current page lists 8-week or 16-week Anger Management programs depending on the referral source.

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Assessment and intake

Participants may need an assessment, orientation, or intake before entering a program.

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Referred by an agency or court

ACT’s current program includes monitoring and reporting to referring agencies.

If you were referred by a court, agency, probation officer, attorney, or another organization, contact ACT to confirm the program and documentation you need.

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Skills and education for changing behavior

The helpline can be a starting point for connecting with other ACT programs and services.

Understanding abuse and accountability

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Topics currently listed by ACT include:

Definition of domestic violence
Patterns of violence
Power and control
Self-control versus power and dominance
Effects on partners
Effects on children and others
Taking responsibility for behavior
Domestic violence education

Communication and problem solving

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Participants may work on:

Identifying and expressing feelings
Problem-solving skills
Negotiation
Conflict resolution
Communication skills
Listening skills
Stress-management techniques
Developing a support system

Beliefs, behavior, and relationships

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Group topics also include:

Gender-role expectations
Ethnicity and culture in domestic violence
Identifying intimidating or isolating behavior
Developing nonviolent alternatives
Understanding emotional and behavioral responses

ACT states that BAN facilitators have extensive experience and classroom training related to domestic violence.

Ask About Program Curriculum

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Learn to recognize and respond to anger differently

ACT’s Anger Management Program is described as psychoeducational, with an emphasis on learning information, practicing skills, and developing different behaviors.

Topics currently include: