Is BIP for Me? Why Did I Get Referred to a BIP?

Participants hear about, or are referred to a Battering Intervention Program (BIP), from a number of places. You might be appropriate for BIP services if you:

  • Have been disrespectful, abusive, or violent in your relationship and would like help
  • Are in a diversion program or other court case related to violence in a relationship
  • Have recently been released from incarceration
  • Are recommended for an Assessment as a part of a Family Court Case or Custody Case

FPI BIP is a trauma-focused, cognitive-behavioral program for individuals who have harmed or used battering behavior in relationships. Participants are most often referred through diversion, parole, probation, child welfare agencies, attorneys, or a self-referral process. FPI offers groups for the following populations:

  • Men
  • LGBTQ+
  • Spanish-language
  • Women

Is the FPI Battering Intervention Program going to fulfill my court requirements?

We are pleased to let you know that the Family Peace Initiative Battering Intervention Program is a state-certified battering intervention program, fulfilling Kansas requirements of such programs. We are certified by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office and have been from the earliest year that certification was available in Kansas. 

What is the purpose of the FPI BIP Program? 

The purpose of this program is to help victims and families achieve safety by helping those who have harmed an intimate partner to acknowledge the harm, work toward repairing the damage done, and build skills to engage in strong, healthy relationships free from cruelty, abuse and violence. 

What should I expect?

First of all, you can expect to be treated with respect and consideration. FPI provides services with compassion, integrity, and expertise. We want you to know we believe in your capacity to change. We know it takes a tremendous amount of courage to walk through the doors, or dial the number, to get an appointment. Those who walk through our doors are about to embark on a journey toward self-examination and transformational change, and we honor that commitment. 

So, what are the nuts and bolts? How long is it going to take, when will I need to attend, what will I need to do, and what will it cost? 

This is a 6-month course at minimum. In accordance with program requirements, participants must earn 27 credits to complete the program. Credits are earned by successfully completing:

  • Initial Assessment (1 credit, $175 fee) - Assessment Agreement Forms
  • Orientation (1 credit, $40 fee) - Orientation Forms
  • BIP course workbook and River of Cruelty booklet ($35 fee includes both)
  • 25 weekly group sessions (1 credit each, sliding scale of $15 - $45 per session)
  • "Week 18" assignment
  • Final Completion Letter
  • Apology and reparation sessions may be required if a child was harmed.

Here are more details:

Assessment 

The Assessment follows the requirements of the Kansas Domestic Violence Offender Assessment (KDVOA). It includes: 

  • A participant interview 
  • Victim contacts, including current and former partner contacts 
  • Collection of supplemental information 
  • Determination of appropriate fit for the program 

The full assessment fee of $175 must be paid prior to scheduling the Assessment Interview appointment. Payment can be made here. Once payment is made, an Assessment Interview can be scheduled by calling our office at (785) 350-2858.

Program Fees:

Current fees are $175 for the assessment; $40 for the orientation; $35 for the Participant Workbook and the River of Cruelty booklet, and the group weekly rate is offered on a sliding scale from $15 to $45 per group session. Consideration is given to challenges and will be discussed during the orientation session. If you have questions please call the office at 785-350-2858. We’d love to connect with you.

Group Schedule

We have morning, afternoon, and evening group times available. You will have the opportunity during the Orientation Session to determine which available group time and location will work best for you.

Our men's groups meet in person in most cases, with some online groups available depending on your individual situation. We hold group sessions at the following locations:

  • TOPEKA - 200 SW 33rd St., Topeka
  • OTTAWA - The Franklin County Annex at 15th and Main, Ottawa
  • GIRARD - 510 E 47 Hwy, Girard
  • DODGE CITY - 208 W Spruce, Dodge City
  • EMPORIA - 1702 W. 15th St., Emporia
  • LAWRENCE - 2815 Ridge Ct., Lawrence

Participants within a 60-mile radius of our group sites must attend in person. Some exceptions may be made depending on the financial situation and transportation and/or driver's license status.

For women, gender-diverse participants, and Spanish-speaking participants, and for participants who meet the criteria, we currently offer groups via Zoom.

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