DVIC participants are responsible to: 

1. Comply with all terms of probation.
2. Attend DVIC Workshops. Workshops are held once a month and participation is mandatory.
3. Attend and complete all counseling and/or treatment programs*: Healthy Relationships $12 per class, 52 weeks REQUIRED
4. Substance Abuse Treatment*
5. Mental Health Counseling - At the discretion of the Court
6. Accept responsibility for violent behavior towards intimate partner.

• Early release from probation
• Reduction or dismissal if eligible (769.4a)
• Deferred jail
• Learning alternative behaviors

Healthy Relationship Classes
Healthy Relationship Classes focus on teaching individuals to identify abusive behaviors and learn tools and skills to have healthy, nonviolent relationships. Individuals can enter the program voluntarily or by court order.

Intake is required prior to starting the program. Weekly class sessions are $12 each.

What is Intimate Partner Violence?
Intimate partner violence is violence by a current or former spouse or partner. Many different types of abusive behaviors are used by individuals. Some abuse tactics may include but are not limited to: physical abuse; emotional abuse; economic abuse; intimidation; threats or coercion; isolation; using the children as threats or pawns; and minimizing, denying, or blaming another for one’s abusive behaviors.

Healthy Relationship Counseling vs. Anger Management Counseling
Healthy Relationship Counseling is a Battering Intervention Program. It is the most appropriate intervention because it focuses on how to end the use of abusive and violent behaviors. Classes address why individuals are abusive toward their partners, then, teach skills and tools necessary for healthy, nonviolent relationships. Healthy Relationship Counseling differs greatly from Anger Management Counseling, which focuses on the healthy expression of anger, rather than the power and control components involved in intimate partner violence.

Who qualifies for DVIC?

• Offenders who pleaded guilty/no contest or are found guilty of a domestic violence or stalking based offense.
• Defendants who have previously been charged with a domestic violence or stalking based offense. (Charged not necessarily CONVICTED).
• A strangulation occurred during the assault for this case.
• Minimal mental health or substance use concerns.
• MUST be able to attend monthly workshop.

What is a DVIC workshop?
A workshop is an hour (or two depending on the topic) long in-person group session ran by Judge Tomak and the DVIC Team members. Participants learn important skills & tools that are not addressed in the healthy relationship classes that will help with relationships in life outside of an intimate partner.

Examples of Workshops:

• Financial stress & budgeting
• Law Enforcement Panel
• Why mental health matters
• The effect of domestic violence on children in the home
• How to identify/react to day to day stress
• How leisure time effects our behavior
• And many more!