BOPP Launches Batterers Intervention Program

NASHVILLE --- The Board of Probation and Parole is working to stop domestic violence by intervening with the offenders it supervises. A new course called Courage to Change is a 24-week program for probationers and parolees who have a history of domestic violence.

 

“Domestic violence is a serious issue in Tennessee,” said Board Chairman Charles Traughber. “The Violence Policy Center’s When Men Murder Women Report shows Tennessee is fifth in the nation in homicides where men kill women. And Tennessee has been ranked in the top 12 states in the country for this type of crime since 2000.”

 

BOPP has trained almost 40 staff members to teach this program in the agency’s offices across the state. The course explores male violence against women. It also challenges men to take responsibility for their actions and provides the educational experience necessary to end violence against their victims. To attend this class, offenders must agree to complete all 24 weeks. 

 

BOPP Victim Services Director Jennifer Brinkman said, “BOPP works to hold offenders accountable for their actions, while also addressing factors that may have contributed to past criminal behavior. For instance, if you grew up in a home where domestic violence occurred, you may think this is normal behavior. We are working to reduce crime by stopping the cycle of domestic violence.”

 

Experts agree that domestic violence crosses all economic and social lines. To increase awareness of this important public safety issue, BOPP is also providing a separate training on domestic violence for its staff, including those who do not work with offenders. “By giving our staff good information about domestic violence, we may enable them to someday help a friend or family member,” Brinkman explained.  

 

For more information, contact Melissa McDonald at 615.532.8149.

 

The Board of Probation and Parole ( www.tn.gov/bopp/ ) is an independent, seven-member board whose members are appointed by the Governor.  The Board is charged with the responsibility of deciding which eligible felony offenders will be granted parole and released from incarceration to community-based supervision.  Along with the supervision of those granted parole, the Board is also responsible for supervising felony offenders who are placed on probation by criminal courts.