ESCAPEWhat is AIP?
There is help available for people who use abuse in their intimate relationships. Abuse Intervention Programs (AIPs) in Maryland help people who use abusive behavior learn to change. Participating in AIP is a first step in learning that there are better, healthier ways to deal with relationship issues than using violence and control. In a group setting, participants learn about power and control and the effect of abuse on their partners and children. They also build new relationship skills. AIPs in Maryland typically range from 24-32 weeks in length and have strict rules regarding attendance and participation.
Most people who are referred to an AIP program are mandated by the legal system; however, participants may also self-refer. In order to receive court-ordered referrals, AIPs in Maryland must be certified by the Governor’s Family Violence Council (FVC). This means the program has met or exceeded the minimum requirements set forth by the FVC. Some of the requirements for certified programs include a focus on accountability, ensuring a coordinated approach with the legal system and victim service providers, as well as ensuring outreach to victims of AIP participants.
Attending an AIP does not mean that the abuse will stop. It is only one tool that can lead people who truly want to change towards healthier relationships. Some people think that anger management, couples counseling, or drug and alcohol counseling will stop the abuse, however, that is generally not the case. AIPs are created especially for people who have learned and believe that violence and control is acceptable in their relationships. It is important to note that AIP is not interchangeable with Anger Management (AM). Anger and loss of control is a mental health issue, whereas abuse is about gaining and maintaining power and control in a relationship.
What is MAIC?
MAIC is the Maryland Abuse Intervention Collaborative. We are a network of experienced professionals in various fields who are committed to further developing and supporting Abuse Intervention Programs (AIPs) across the state.
Our Goals:
- Ensure there are high quality, effective Abuse Intervention Programs throughout Maryland.
- Increase victim/survivor safety.
- Promote accountability and responsibility for those who use violence in their relationships.
- Eliminate Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) & abuse
What We Do!
The Collaborative
- Support programs that prevent future violence by intervening with individuals who use violence in intimate relationships.
- Discuss ways to improve the coordinated community response to Intimate Partner Violence.
- Promote evidence-based, best practices in Abuse Intervention.
- Partner on AIP research and evaluation.
- Offer peer support and advocacy for AIPs through:
- Education;
- Technical assistance;
- Collaboration with service providers and criminal justice professionals.
Who Should Participate?
- AIPs
- Parole & Probation
- Judicial Staff
- State’s Attorneys
- The Department of Social Services
- Public Defenders
- Victim Advocates
- Mental Health Programs
- Students/Interns in Behavioral Health
- Other Stakeholders
AIP Research
- Research shows that despite being under-resourced, Maryland AIPs are effective in reducing crime.
- People who complete an AIP have significantly lower rates of recidivism for all criminal charges.
- A recent evaluation of Maryland’s AIPs examined recidivism data for 1900 offenders.
- 40% of these offenders completed an Abuse Intervention Program.
- During the year after AIP intake (after controlling for gender, race, age at first offense, and criminal history), those who completed an AIP had:
- 25-35% fewer criminal recidivism offenses compared to those who failed to complete and AIP.
- 16-30% fewer violent offenses compared to those who failed to complete an AIP.
We meet the third Friday of every month.
MAIC is committed to supporting virtual attendance for all of our meetings.
Please email: Jennifer Pollitt Hill at [email protected]
