Group Work

Making Group Work, Work in Abuse Intervention Programs!
SubTitle: Facilitating Change: Group Work Practices in Abuse Intervention Programs

Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about this training!

 

This three-day training provides facilitators of Abuse Intervention Programs (AIPs) with the skills and strategies needed to lead engaging, accountable, and effective group sessions—regardless of the curriculum you use. Grounded in social work group principles, this training explores best practices for structuring intervention groups, fostering accountability, and addressing resistance to change.
Participants will learn how to:
✅ Create safe and structured group environments that promote engagement
✅ Apply cognitive-behavioral and psychoeducational techniques to support change
✅ Navigate resistance and conflict to strengthen group effectiveness
✅ Incorporate mentorship and peer learning as tools for accountability
✅ Collaborate with community and legal systems to enhance intervention efforts
Through a mix of theory, interactive exercises, and real-world application, attendees will gain practical tools to facilitate meaningful transformation in intervention groups. Group work is so much more than having individual sequential conversations with a room full of people. Whether you’re new to facilitation or looking to refine your approach, this training will help you make group work, work!
Day 1: Foundations of Group Work in Abuse Intervention
Learning Objectives:
Understand Group Work as a Social Work Practice

  • Define group work within the framework of social work and battering intervention.
  • Identify key principles of group dynamics, structure, and facilitation in intervention settings.
  • Discuss ethical considerations and the role of the facilitator in a battering intervention group.
Establishing a Safe & Structured Group Environment

  • Implement trauma-informed facilitation techniques.
  • Develop group agreements and boundaries to foster accountability and participation.
  • Utilize rituals and traditions (e.g., opening observances, accountability pledges) to promote cohesion and commitment in groups.
Engaging Participants and Overcoming Resistance

  • Identify stages of group development (e.g., forming, storming, norming, performing).
  • Apply motivational interviewing and strengths-based approaches to encourage engagement.
  • Explore barriers to accountability, including denial, minimization, and victim-blaming.

Day 2: Group Process, Accountability, and Behavioral Change
Learning Objectives:
Applying Cognitive-Behavioral and Psychoeducational Approaches in Groups

  • Understand how social learning, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral reinforcement contribute to behavior change.
  • Utilize structured exercises to challenge beliefs and behaviors that perpetuate intimate partner violence.
  • Facilitate group discussions around power, control, and accountability using social work group interventions.
Navigating Group Conflict and Resistance

  • Implement conflict resolution strategies that foster growth and accountability.
  • Differentiate between productive resistance (self-exploration) and defensive resistance (avoidance, minimization).
  • Develop strategies to reframe conversations and encourage personal responsibility.
Integrating Mentorship and Peer Learning in Group Work

  • Explore the role of peer mentorship in intervention and social learning.
  • Identify the 4 C’s of Mentorship: Counsel, Correction, Connection, Championing.
  • Discuss best practices for structuring mentor-participant relationships within a battering intervention program.

Day 3: Implementation, Community Integration, and Program Effectiveness
Learning Objectives:

Program Evaluation and Measuring Success in Group Work

  • Define success in Abuse intervention programs beyond attendance compliance.
  • Utilize participant feedback, behavioral assessments, and self-reflection tools to measure progress.
  • Discuss long-term behavior change and recidivism prevention through continued group support.
Strengthening Partnerships with Community and Legal Systems

  • Explore the social work mandate to engage with justice systems, victim advocacy groups, and social service agencies.
  • Identify ways to enhance collaboration with domestic violence shelters, law enforcement, and courts.
  • Discuss ethical responsibilities related to confidentiality, reporting, and safety planning.
Closing & Commitment to Practice

  • Reflect on key takeaways from the training.
  • Develop a personalized action plan for implementing group facilitation strategies.
  • Participate in a final accountability pledge and commit to continued professional development.
Key Techniques and Approaches:
Forming and Structuring Groups:
This involves setting clear goals, defining roles, and establishing ground rules to create a safe and productive environment.
Establishing Trust and Safety:
Creating a space where members feel comfortable sharing and participating is crucial for successful group work.
Building Cohesion:
Encouraging a sense of belonging and shared purpose among group members can foster stronger relationships and support.
Setting Clear Objectives:
Ensuring that group members understand the goals and expected outcomes can help them stay focused and motivated.
Facilitating Communication:
Encouraging open and respectful communication, as well as active listening, is essential for effective group interaction.
Utilizing Group Dynamics:
Understanding and leveraging the dynamics within the group (e.g., roles, power structures, conflict resolution) can help facilitate positive change.
Promoting Empowerment and Participation:
Empowering members to take ownership of their experiences and participate actively in the group process can lead to greater personal growth and positive outcomes.