Beyond Violence is an evidence-based manualized curriculum designed to serve women in criminal justice settings with histories of aggression and/or violence.
This four-level model considers the complex interplay between individual, relationship, community, and societal factors, and also addresses the risk factors for experiencing and/or inflicting violence. The program uses a social-ecological model that aims to address the factors that put people at risk for experiencing and/or inflicting violence and also integrates the following theoretical formulations: trauma theory, addiction theory, relational-cultural theory, and best practices for prevention programming.
The intervention includes therapeutic strategies such as psycho-education, role playing, mindfulness activities, cognitive-behavioral restructuring, and grounding skills for trauma triggers. Each session is structured to begin with quiet time, an introduction, review of the previous session, a lecture, activities, debriefing of the current session, assignment of homework, a self-soothing activity, and closing. Sessions are designed to be implemented sequentially in closed groups; however, can be adapted for individuals.
This Participant Workbook is designed to allow women to process, record, and refer back to their therapeutic experience. Participants can review the content of the sessions, express their thoughts and reactions, and complete activities during and after sessions. In addition, it helps participants understand the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; learn new skills, including communication, conflict resolution, decision making, and calming soothing techniques; and become part of a group of women working to create a less violent world.
Dr. Stephanie S. Covington is a nationally recognized clinician, author, organizational consultant, and lecturer. She has developed an innovative, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed approach to the treatment needs of women and girls that results in effective services in public, private, and institutional settings.
Learn more about Dr. Covington and her other publications.
Beyond Violence: A Prevention Program for Criminal Justice-Involved Women is an evidence-based manualized curriculum designed to serve women in criminal justice settings with histories of aggression and/or violence. It deals with the violence and trauma they have experienced, as well as any they may have perpetrated. This four-level model of violence prevention considers the complex interplay between individual, relationship, community, and societal factors, and also addresses the risk factors for experiencing and/or perpetrating violence/
