Given the lethal nature of domestic violence as well as its tendency to affect all within its range, the community has a vested interest in the methods used to stop and prevent future violence. Interventions for domestic violence must be based on a complete understanding of the most effective strategies for this specific problem and should be implemented by those well educated and skilled in those methodologies. Group education programming is recognized as only one of the contributions to effective intervention with those who abuse. Other effective intervention strategies include safety planning for the victims, prompt response by law enforcement, rigorous prosecution, appropriate adjudication, close monitoring by probation, and sentences which reflect the seriousness of this crime against the community. Since education is one approach being used for a problem that has such serious consequences to others, the providers of IDAPs should meet the highest standards. These standards are necessary to recognize that domestic violence is a serious, potentially lethal problem and that programming for these violent individuals requires more than just a general knowledge of the treatment of behavioral or interpersonal problems. Education programs must never be used as an alternative to legal sanctions, but always as an adjunct to those sanctions. Research suggests a combination of legal sanctions and education programs is a more effective means of reducing abusive behavior than either one alone.
