TOPEKA – A Great Bend batterer intervention program has been certified as compliant with state standards, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced Friday.
Joyful House Inc., was certified as having met the core standards described in the Essential Elements and Standards for Batterer Intervention Programs. The program had first received a temporary certification in April 2019. A Kansas law enacted by the 2012 state legislature requires batterer intervention programs to obtain certification from the attorney general’s office.
“What a privilege to follow through with something you truly feel called to do! When participants choose to change their behaviors, the lives of their victims, including partners, children and extended families are changed as well,” said Quenla McGilber, Joyful House director. “It is amazing to perceive progress and to know this helps our communities to become transformed. Honestly, I’m really grateful for this opportunity and I am very hopeful for change with those I serve. Thank you.”
There are 36 batterer intervention programs currently fully certified in the state. Six additional programs operate under temporary permits.
The Batterer Intervention Certification Panel, appointed by the attorney general, completed an in-depth process including evaluation and site visits to assess program compliance. The certification was awarded for a two-year period, during which the program will be subject to additional monitoring by the attorney general’s office.
Batterer Intervention Programs are community-based programs providing educational and counseling services to domestic violence batterers who use dominating, controlling and abusive tactics in relationships. These programs establish accountability for batterers and prioritize victim safety by assisting participants to choose and sustain non-violence in their lives.
For more information on the Batterer Intervention Program, visit www.ag.ks.gov or call 1-800-828-9745.