Monday, July 7, 2025

Moving from Being Considered the "Offender" in a Domestic Violence Case, (yet Feeling Like a Victim); Toward Becoming an Accountable Survivor

 What does it take to successfully move from feeling like a Victim in a Domestic Violence Situation, but actually being labelled as the "Offender" in that same situation; to becoming a Survivor in that same situation? 

  Even if one is charged with an Offense that includes a DV Enhancer; though one was Charged as an Offender or a Perpetrator; one often feels like THE VICTIM.  

  Why is that?  How does this happen?  Let us Count the ways....

  One basic fact is that a lot of people being charged with DV Offenses have in their lives -- at one point or another -- been victims of Domestic Violence or Family Violence (as an adult; or Child Abuse; or Neglect as a child).  Sometimes even within coupling -- meaning that in some cases, the person who is now Officially the "Victim"; has at times in the past been a perpetrator of abuse against the person who is now considered the "Offender". 

  Look at it this way -- Many circumstances can twist the situation around to where such confusion can happen:  For example: One might even feel like they are a victim of the situation, or a victim of alcohol dependence -- Perhaps, they get angry when they drink and they think its the Alcohol's fault.  

  Or perhaps they feel like a victim of poverty -- like being poor all their lives.  

  Or a victim of the system.  

  Some might even think that the whole reason that they got into trouble was because they are from a different culture or race or a different sexual orientation than a lot of other people around.  

  Or they think the only reason they got into trouble was because the policeman did not like them.  

  Some people might even be a victim of a bad break-up.  

  Some people might even feel like a victim to a mental disorder -- perhaps when they are sick with their psychological problems, they don't think straight...  and that's not fair is it?

  But it goes on and on and on and on...  

  And surely many of these possible reasons or excuses may be valid on one hand.  However, the fact is that just before the point where they got into trouble, they made some choices...  

  Such as a person with an alcohol / anger problem deciding to drink.  

  Or a person with a psychiatric disorder deciding NOT to take their meds.  

  Or they spent the last 2 years telling their partner that they don't really need help with Anger Management... even though their partner has told them many times before that their violence against them is unacceptable.

  But there is a major disconnect here it seems.  Right?

   One problem is that in order to successfully move on in life after a DV Offense, one MUST take Accountability and learn ways to NEVER AGAIN commit Domestic Violence; That's why we go to DV Treatment.

  This way, no one needs to become a Repeat Domestic Violence Offender.  In short, one needs to learn how to prevent DV from occurring in any way in one's life -- even if it means they can never again have a drink of alcohol.

ON The Same Note: It also helps to remember that the Court divides people in Criminal cases into Victims and Offenders.  So frequently, an Offender might also feel like they were victimized.  But the Court is not necessarily going to recognize their Victimhood this time... 

So What is This Really All About?

  This lesson is intended to help better explain how one CAN MOVE ON beyond feeling like a VICTIM; toward feeling like an Accountable Survivor.  There are few things worse than getting stuck in the land of Victimhood; Right? 
  And, it is highly possible large part of the passage-way from Victim to Survivor is through Accountability.  There are probably few Virtues more important and more fruitful than holding one's self Accountable.
  Mind you; THIS IS IN NO WAY ABOUT BLAMING THE VICTIM!  Hence, one should never twist these words around to make it sound like it is suggested that your DV Offense is actually the Victim's fault.
  At the same time, there is nothing wrong a person who feels like a Victim; taking it upon her or his self to find her or his own sense of Accountability about how she or he got into this situation in the first place.

 First, think about this:  What does the word Accountability mean to you in terms of your Domestic Violence Offense?
  Like really.... Think about it for a moment?!?!?!?

  Let's check out what the Experts say:

  Accountability can be defined in various ways. 

   Accountability can be defined as: "The quality or state of being accountable especially: an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions ..." (Source).
   Fair???

   Accountability can also be defined as: "According to Social Workers: "Accountability means being obliged and responsible to others."  "Accountability means being answerable to others and is related to responsibility.  One takes responsibility for actions but one is held accountable"(Source). 
   Fair???

   Finally, Accountability can be defined this way: "Psychologists define Accountability as: “The condition of having to answer, explain, or justify one's actions or beliefs to another. It often includes the possibility that you will be held responsible and punished if your acts cannot be justified, or rewarded if your actions are justified.  Accountability is a composite of numerous factors: being held responsible for one’s actions, presence of another, being identifiable as an actor, evaluation by an audience, and providing validation for one’s behavior" (Source).

  
  It also helps to think about what is a Victim; versus what is a Survivor?

A Victim could be thought of as: 

  “One that is injured, destroyed, or sacrificed under any of various conditions (a victim of cancer, a victim of an auto crash, a murder victim).  (Maby even a victim of DV?)

  A Victim could also be: One that is subjected to oppression, hardship, or mistreatment.  For example: a frequent victim of political attacks, one that is tricked or duped, or even a conman's victim.”  (Source)


Question: Would a person who knows that when he drinks too much he gets angry and violent truly be a victim of the alcohol if he had consequences to deal with?
  Sure, he could say that the Alcohol contributed to his bad behavior.  However, he would also have to accept the fact that he chose to drink and/or he chose not to get help for his problem before it was too late.
  However, even if one has this problem, one MUST be Accountable for their behavior and for any related damages to person or property. 
  It's also important to note that a serious Challenge for a lot of good people is overcoming their cravings and/or dependency on Alcohol, drugs, gambling, casual sex or other self-destructive behaviors.  And persons who quit drinking or other behaviors are often thought of as "Recovering Alcoholics"  or Recovering Gamblers etc.. -- rather than cured.  Or perhaps a Surviving Alcoholic or a surviving Gambler.  But hopefully, In Recovery; meaning they are sober or they have actually quit the behavior.  It's also important to note that for many people, these struggles last their entire lives.  So given that, how is this behavior 100% their fault if they have a disease? 

So then, What is a Survivor?

  One who survives the death of a loved one: Such as remaining alive after the death of someone.  This person is generally spoken of as:  "He is survived by his wife.  To continue to exist or live after (survived the earthquake);  To continue to function or prosper despite (numerous challenges).   Or to withstand.  (Such as being described as: "they survived many hardships”) (Source).

Now, Think for a minute: 

  Think about or describe a time in your life when you have been a Victim? 

  Think about or describe a time in your life when you have been a Survivor?

  How are these two conditions different?  

  How are these two conditions similar? (Keep reading).


The Problem of Feeling Like a Victim: 

   An Important Note: Sometimes when we feel like victims, we tend to excuse what we do to others, as though is it our Right to show them how we are hurting, by trying to make them feel the pain and fear that we feel as victims.  Nonetheless, taking one’s own experiences as a Victim and trying to make other people relive them is just plain wrong WRONG.  Right??? 

   Why is this so -- that we should not put our pain onto someone else?   How is it wrong to make someone else experience the pain that I am experiencing?  For one, we have no right to do that.

  Consider this:  Could it be Legally Right or even Morally Right to have someone else experience the fear, the pain, or the anguish and the residual effects of my victimhood?

  Probably NOT.

  NO.So then, if I have all this pain from my past, what can I do with it?

  One Possibility is that I could probably try to live with it and overcome it.  In the meantime, why not try to become (in my Heart and Mind) an Accountable Survivor Instead of a Victim?  Is that Possible for you?  Can you do this?  Probably.  You can definitely try, right?

  (Please Note: The idea here is to be able to notice that a person coming from the emotional position of a Survivor is going to be coming out of a different place, a different set of thoughts and a different set of feelings than a person coming from the Victim position.)


Perhaps these first three rules of becoming a Survivor could help:
 
1. I don't want to go any further down if I can help it.
   (Whereas a Victim might instead be spending time demonstrating just how low down they can go); and 

2. I no longer have any need or a desire to pull anyone else down with me... If I do go down;

3. I would NEVER wish my pain or my anguish or my fear onto another living soul.  And that's how bad I have felt at times when I was a victim.

  What if it turns out that letting go of that need or desire for revenge is a giant step toward becoming a survivor?

  But sometimes, we are angry or hurt about what happened to us.  But we don't necessarily know what we should be doing right now, do we?  

  Hence, at first, this project of becoming accountable and becoming a Survivor might include some effort that feels kind of like basically faking it until we make it. 

  Even if I feel like a victim, I can try to start thinking like a Survivor instead.  And that might include the following such as: Gratitude for having survived, Wanting to do better next time, Letting go of the resentment...etc..., and Looking for some reasonable solutions, and developing the will to make some positive CHANGE.

  Remember: EVEN if one feels WRONGED by how one's DV Offense unfolded; One is NOT technically "The Victim" in that Offense.  This is important to always remember.

  So here is ONE LAST QUESTION Before you do the Worksheet:

  Would you rather be a DV Victim? 

   Or, Would you rather be a DV Offender who feels like a Victim?

   Or, Would you rather be a DV Offender who feels like an Accountable Survivor?

 Think about it.

*** Please CLICK HERE to complete your Offender/Victim To Survivor Worksheet ***


AND ALWAYS REMEMBER TO ALSO COMPLETE A SESSION FEEDBACK FORM FOR EVERY SESSION THAT YOU ATTEND.  Look for the link beside the AMERICAN FLAG.


+++ CLICK HERE to Complete Your SESSION FEEDBACK FORM!!! +++


"FROM VICTIM TO SUVIVOR"

Please see Additional Readings Below: 

Enough said.  Lets move on:

Check out The following essay on Survivors Vs. Victims of Disasters, written by J. Faletto.

"About Survivors Vs. Victims of Disasters: (Faletto, J. 2017)

Surviving a disaster doesn't just come down to fight or flight. Circumventing danger is more complicated than that. However, there may be one way to gauge if you have what it takes to make it out alive, thanks to a 2015 study. Do you possess the eight shared traits of survivors?  (Related Video: The Woman Who Survived a 10,000 Foot Fall)

“I'm a Survivor, I'm Not Gon' Give Up” They say you won't know how you'll respond to a catastrophe until you're faced with one. A study published in PLOS One in July 2015 set out to clear up that mystery. What does it take to survive? The researchers interviewed and surveyed survivors of the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami disaster to get closer to what fuels the power to live in these scenarios. More than 1,400 survivors received the questionnaire, which included 40 items, each pertaining to one of three classes of characteristics: personal traits, attitudes, and habits. Drumroll please ... here is the list of Eight Traits that were shared among the Survivors of that disaster:” 

(Characteristics of Survivors):

1.     “Leadership: This represents the attitude or habit of gathering and organizing people. You may possess this trait if you strongly agree with these statements (taken from the questionnaire):  “I take initiative in talking to other people.  Sophisticated words that move other people come out of my mouth.”

2.     Problem-solving:  This represents the attitude or habit of strategically tackling problems. You may possess this trait if you strongly agree with these statements: “The more agitated the people around me become, the calmer I somehow become.  When I am fretting about what I should do, I compare several alternative actions.”

3.     Altruism: This represents the personality trait that causes people to care about and help others. You may possess this trait if you strongly agree with these statements: “I like it when other people rely on me and are grateful to me.  When someone asks me to do something for them, I cannot refuse.”

4.   Stubbornness: This represents the personality trait, attitude, or habit of sticking to one's desires or beliefs. You may possess this trait if you strongly agree with these statements:  “I say whatever it is I want to say without hesitation.  I hate losing.”

5.   Etiquette: This represents the attitude or habit of conforming to social norms in daily behavior. You may possess this trait if you strongly agree with these statements:  “In everyday life, I take care of myself as much as possible.  When someone has helped me or been kind to me, I clearly convey my feelings of gratitude.”

6. Emotional regulation: This represents the attitude or habit of endeavoring to stay calm in difficult or strained circumstances. You may possess this trait if you strongly agree with these statements:  “When something happens, I try to stay calm and not panic.  During difficult times, I endeavor not to brood.”

7. Self-transcendence: This represents awareness of the meaning of one's life from a spiritual perspective. You may possess this trait if you strongly agree with these statements: “I am aware of the path and teachings I should follow as a person.  I am aware of the role I should play in society.”

8. Active well-being: This refers to the daily practice of maintaining or improving one's physical, mental, and intellectual status. You may possess this trait if you strongly agree with these statements: “In everyday life, I endeavor to find opportunities to acquire new knowledge, skills, and attitudes.  In everyday life, I have habitual practices that are essential for relieving stress or giving me a change of pace.””   (Faletto, J. 2017)  Retrieved 7/8/2019). 


   Think about the above Personality Traits or Characteristics of these people who Survived a tremendous disaster.  These people chose -- even at the time of the disaster -- the be survivors instead of Victims.  Then they made it happen

  Believe it or not, one can then evolve out of the Victim Position, to the Survivor Position, and then eventually move on to become a Thriver!  


From Victim to Survivor to Thriver  Dillmann, PsyD (2011), Retrieved 7/8/2019 from: https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/victim-survivor-thriver-trauma-stages/

  “A woman raises her arms in victory as she stands outside facing the sun. One way to understand the healing journey is to think of growing from a place of victimization to survival, and ultimately, to thriving. While a person has had no choice about being victimized, he or she does have a choice about growing through these stages."


(Dr. B. Says: Sometimes we do have a choice about potentially being victimized by leaving ourselves open, or making unwise choices -- like drinking when we know we shouldn't.  Still in all, we can make a choice RIGHT NOW to start to grow in a positive direction.  Even in the middle of a crisis, we can be resolved to become a Survivor.  And with a little luck, it could come true.  But if we just give in, we might end up just being victims instead.  Which do you choose?)


  "Regardless of what the traumatic event was, where or when it occurred, there was a period of time when victimization occurred. This victimization is not something one should feel guilt or shame about, rather it is a factual reality to understand, accept, and grow through. When an individual cannot or does not grow through the period of victimization, one can think of this person as being stuck within the victim stage.

  An individual in the victim stage feels as though he or she is still in the trauma—no matter how long ago the actual traumatic incident(s) occurred. The sense of being in that moment of time permeates the person’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and even his or her sense of self. It is common for an individual in this stage to avoid many emotions while experiencing in abundance feelings of helplessness, vulnerability, fragility, self-pity, numbness, defeat, shame, self-hatred, and discouragement. The person might feel out of control or angry, want to hide and hope to be rescued. The individual often believes he or she lacks choices and has few possibilities and a shortened future. This combination of thoughts leads to little planning for the future and a preoccupation with the past.

  In addition, the individual may feel plagued by memories of the event, particularly if he or she is struggling with flashbacks. Common behaviors that arise out of these thoughts and feelings are self-destructive ones such as addictions or a pervasive passivity. While most individuals, even those who have been stuck within this stage for quite some time, do not desire to be within the victimization stage, some individuals do experience secondary gains (such as love, support, attention, assistance) from being within this victim stage.

  These benefits can also become intertwined with the individual’s way of life and identity, making it all the more difficult to grow through this phase. Just as some individuals struggle with leaving this stage, some individuals struggle with being in this stage and try to avoid acknowledging the truth of the victimization.  Neither approach is healthy, because true recovery can only occur when one has dwelt within and then healed out of this stage.


(In some ways, the big difference between the Victim Stage and the Survivor  stage and the Thriver stage may be the degree of Reality that one is willing to accept about their Victimization -- including the idea about the choices they made that might have contributed to them becoming victims or Survivors.  And this is followed by the degree of HOPE a person has as well.  And people tend to need hope in order to have better outcomes and even improved mental health.)


  Once a person has grown through the victim stage, he or she enters into the survivor stage, which is the time when one begins to feel strong and confident and to truly believe that there are resources and choices. A key realization of this stage is that an individual has gotten through the trauma intact, or mostly intact, and is indeed outside of it. This understanding allows the person to begin integrating the trauma into his or her life story, to take control of life, and to recognize potential for change and growth.

  For many, a sense of satisfaction accompanies this realization as does a shift into an emotional state that has less suffering, less pain, less guilt, and definitely less depression. Many of the difficult emotions decrease, and though this is not necessarily a happy phase of life, moments of happiness will start to occur more often. As one progresses through this stage, living one day at a time increasingly becomes a primary focus. Coping from day to day and acting upon a commitment to healing, trusting, and restoring relationships becomes the essence of healing.

  The thriver stage crystallizes the growth of the survivor stage and takes one’s healing to the point where he or she has general satisfaction with life as well as a sense that ordinary life is both interesting and enjoyable. Commitment to moving forward, to taking care of one’s physical health, to investing in one’s career, relationships, and love and life allow these gains to occur. On an emotional level, feelings of strength, empowerment, compassion, resilience, and self-determination eclipse the emotions experienced within the victim stage. In addition a renewed sense of joy, peace, and happiness arises because one has grown, despite the traumatic experience, and is living well.

  It is within this thriver stage that a person’s thinking becomes less pessimistic; he or she begins to think and believe that that there are long-term options, that there is a point to planning for the future, and he or she begins to recognize and embrace new possibilities. This living well is also exemplified in an ability to connect with others who are suffering, to accept imperfections in loved ones, and to reach out to others. Life is once again rich in meaningful relationships which help the person find a sense of meaning and purpose. If any symptoms of posttraumatic stress or other issues remain, the individual has learned how to effectively cope with these symptoms. Ultimately, he or she perceives him- or herself as more than a victim. One recognizes him- or herself as a valuable individual who, though tempered by tragedy, has risen and moved beyond the trauma” (Source).


(Dr. B says: A large part of the journey toward Survival and Thriving is about doing the Right Thing -- what ever that is...  Even if we don't know all the answers, we can try our best.  And we just might find them.   We can almost always ask someone for help.  We now have that positive energy that can fuel such a journey.  And as you go along, be sure to accept the fact that this includes building a positive Support System that you can lean on if you need to.)


Music about Hitting Bottom and Survival:

Whenever God Shines His Light On Me: Gets Your Feet Back on Higher Group

We Can Be Heroes (David Bowie)

The Water is Wide (Karla Bonoff)

Sweet Melissa (Allman Brothers)

Reflections of My Life (Marmalaide)

It Takes Every Kind of People (Robert Palmer)

What's Going On (Marvin Gaye)

The Water is Wide (James Taylor)


(Originally Posted 1/11/2021)

Sources:

  • https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accountability
  • https://sk.sagepub.com/books/key-concepts-in-social-work-practice/n1.xml#:~:text=Accountability%20means%20being%20obliged%20and,them%20with%20a%20protected%20title.
  • http://psychology.iresearchnet.com/social-psychology/social-cognition/accountability/#:~:text=Accountability%20is%20the%20condition%20of,if%20your%20actions%20are%20justified.
  • © Copyright 2011 by Susanne M. Dillmann, PsyD, therapist in Escondido, California. All Rights Reserved. Permission to publish granted to GoodTherapy.org.
  •  (Faletto, J. 2017)  Retrieved 7/8/2019: https://curiosity.com/topics/these-are-the-8-characteristics-shared-by-people-who-have-survived-disasters-curiosity/)

 

Footnote:

Effects of domestic violence on children  

"Many children exposed to violence in the home are also victims of physical abuse.1 Children who witness domestic violence or are victims of abuse themselves are at serious risk for long-term physical and mental health problems.2 Children who witness violence between parents may also be at greater risk of being violent in their future relationships. If you are a parent who is experiencing abuse, it can be difficult to know how to protect your child” (Source).

 (c. 2021, William T. Beverly, Ph.D., LCSW, All information on the Blog (Except where otherwise noted); are the intellectual and/or photographic and/or digital property of Dr. William T. Beverly, L.C.S.W., DVOMB Approved Offender Treatment Provider.).


Tuesday, June 3, 2025

My Personal Mission Statement is for Prevention of Domestic Violence in my Life

  Regardless of what happened or how it happened, if I was named in the Court Case, then I was probably involved.  

  And now, I am choosing to never again be involved in Domestic violence...  NEVER AGAIN!!!  So how might I do that?  

  Could it be that Perhaps I need a Personal Mission Statement?

  In order to plan for this, we need to take a good look at our own values.  Our values tend to project our thoughts, our feelings, our desires, our needs, our beliefs, our past, and our shortcomings among other things.  Many of us carry our values around like Billboards so that everyone can see them.

  Some folks get Morals and Values confused.  And “While morals may feel like they are usually imposed from the outside, values are inherent and personal in character” (Study.com).  So for the purpose of this discussion here today, Values and Morals are essentially the same.

  So here are some questions for us to ponder:

  What are our values?  

  How do our Values impact our lives?  

  How do your values impact the lives of others?

  What is My Mission Statement?   

  Great Questions!  Well, Our Missions in life tend to be based on our Values.  We usually gotta believe in something before we really want to make it happen.

   First, It might help to know what a Mission Statement is. It can sometimes be challenging to tease out our Mission from our Values and Goals.  In fact, our Goals and our Mission can sometimes be intertwined.   So let's check out a few popular Mission Statements.  For example:

 Even McDonald's has a Mission Statement!  For example: McDonald’s says, “Our mission is to make delicious feel-good moments easy for everyone.  This is how we uniquely feed and foster communities” (McDonald’s).

Martin Luther King “refused to allow prison, violence or the threat of death sway his end mission. Instead, he stood beside his goal of achieving rights for all through nonviolent protests. Dr. King maintained a vision for a more diverse America where all people enjoyed the benefits of equality” (The National Civil Rights Museum).

“The goal of the Grateful Dead was to provide a high quality experience with high quality music. They wanted to play great music for people who were really into music. There were choices they could have made along the way that, while more profitable, would have meant abandoning their true goal”  (Anne Grady Group).

And “The Red Cross, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors—in its international and national capacity— to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being”  (The American Red Cross). 

  Types of Values might include: Personal Values, Professional Values, Social Values, National Values, Religious Values....

  In this particular case, it is important now to know that for each one of us involved in DV Offender Treatment: "My Personal Mission Statement is for me to be able to Prevent any more Domestic Violence in my Life." 

  Let's see if we Can we agree on to the following:  

  Whereas, according to the Courts, I have had some Domestic Violence in my Life.  This malady has costs others and myself the following: Time, Money, Trust, Emotional or Physical Trauma, Stress, Pain, Mental challenges and numerous other resources.  Therefore, I have decided I no longer want DV in my life.

In order to make that Mission come true, I need a Mission Statement 

 "A meaningful personal mission statement contains these basic elements. 

1. The first thing to think about is what I want to do?  – What I want to accomplish?  What contributions do I want to make and to whom?... to what?  And finally, What do I hope to get out of it?

2. The second is What do I want to be?  Like...  How do I want to be viewed or perceived by others when my Mission is done?  –  And what character strengths do I have to help me accomplish this?   Also, What qualities do I want to develop during this process.  How do I want to grow?" 

3. Thirdly, I need to keep in mind that an effective Personal Mission Statement must also be doable for me.  

  In order to create a good Personal Mission Statement: I have to be honest with myself; I have to be Flexible; willing to listen to others who mean well; and I have to be strong.  I need to have Positive Energy in my life, I need Patience, I need a Positive Outlook, Tact, and Good Will.  And I need as much Mindfulness as I can do.  And I have to be committed to making the correct decisions, as well as correcting my errors, and then following up by doing the right thing(s).

  So I need some important Tools: I will need to know myself, including what I need, what I want, what I like, how I love, my feelings, my anger, my respect for everyone, and my boundaries, my morals, my resistance, all of my wisdom -- all the energy that I can muster, my courage, my needs in a relationship, etc...   And I also need to know that which I want, and that which I cannot tolerate.  

  Furthermore.  I also need to know what I am capable of; and what I am not capable of.  Further, I need some reliable ways of knowing when things are truly good; as well as ways of knowing when things are not good; along with many other things.

And Finally: 

  In order for me to Prevent DV from happening in my life; I will need to recognize the warning signs -- the Red Flags!  

  I have to be able to Manifest and Promote a Lifestyle that can accommodate healthy relationships as well as one that is devoid of Violence of any kind.


Super Basic Questions: 

  “It's time to start Building On My Individual Values in order to create My Personal Mission Statement for Domestic Violence Prevention”.  First I need to know the following:

Question: “What are some of my Personal Values as they relate to Relationships and prevention of DV?"

Question: “What is my Mission in Life as it relates to Relationships and Prevention of Domestic Violence?

Question: “How might my Values and / or my Mission in Life help me to Prevent Domestic Violence in my future relationships?”

  And this is how I am going to do it.  I am going to Feel, Think, Love, Listen to my Heart, be Honorable, I will Plan, Act, Respect others, command Respect for myself, Re-Assess, and go for it again... 


*** Please Click Here to Complete your 

Personal Mission Statement To Prevent DV *** 


TABLE OF CONTENTS for DV Treatment: Below are The Basic Necessities for Completing Domestic Violence Treatment. These Links Below lead to the Topics and the Worksheets that are part of DV Treatment Requirements. These Worksheets are Required for Successful Completion of DV Treatment.

  There are several things that must be done in order to Successfully Complete DV Treatment.  Before you start, you should read the Treatment Orientation Posting.  Also take a look at the Schedule of Groups.

  The first requirement is that I attend all sessions, take the lessons seriously, and demonstrate positive change change in my thinking.  You definitely should not have missed more than 2 or 3 DV Sessions.  If you missed any sessions, you should have informed Dr B as to why you missed.  Fact of the matter is; if I missed any DV Sessions, I should complete an Absences Attestation for each one.

  Another requirement for successful completion of DV Treatment is that 100% of my Balance is paid off.  Remember, your P.O. is NOT required to give you Vouchers to pay for your DV Treatment.  But if you need a Voucher to pay for your DV Treatment, you must speak with your P.O. (nicely) about this matter if you hope to get any help from them paying for your DV Sessions.  The sooner you do this, the better.  Because they can only give you vouchers or you that will cover DV Sessions starting the day you ask for them.  Finally, it is important that you understand that any amount that is not covered by vouchers is an amount that you will owe for your DV Treatment.

  The third requirement is to understand that any really good DV Treatment Participant is also filling out a Session Feedback Form at the end of each session.

  The fourth requirement is to know that any one who wishes to Successfully Complete Domestic Violence Offender Treatment, must be sure that I All of of their Worksheets are completed and successfully submitted online.  

  Some of the most important DV Topics are those listed below.  Even if you have done these before, they really must be gone over again to make double-sure that you completely understand how you will never again have any more DV in your relationships.

Important:

  Go to each of the Links below and complete the  worksheets that they have links to. 

Dr. B's DV Prevention & Education Blog: Treatment Planning for Success (drbsdvpreventionandeducation.blogspot.com) 

Autobiography of Violence Worksheet

DVOMB Mandatory Core Competencies

    Core Competencies Worksheet

BRIEF CORE COMPETENCIES CHECK-UP: Where Do I Think that I am in my DV Treatment???

Managing Conflict Effectively: And Prevention of Domestic Violence

Learning about Chain Analysis in order Prevent Domestic Violence: A DBT-Type Method

Understanding our Values and Using our Virtues to Prevent Domestic Violence

Understanding Different Types of Domestic Violence - 

        CLICK HERE >>>Types of DV Worksheet 

The Vagina Monologues -- Decades of Altruistic Efforts to Improve the Lives of Girls, Women, and Yes; the Entire Planet!

Overcoming Denial  -- Being Responsible or Being in Denial Worksheet

    Minimization, Denial & Blame Worksheet

The Role of Anger in Domestic Violence -- Anger and DV Worksheet

Taking Time Outs

Understanding Communication for Healthy Relationships

Getting Ready to Take Full Accountability For My Domestic Violence Offense and Moving Forward: What Is Real-Time Accountability?

DVTPA: Domestic Violence Treatment Progress Assessment

My Domestic Violence Treatment Check-In and Check-Up!

The Effects of Using Children During and After a Relationship

The Duluth Power & Control Wheels

The EFFECTS of Using Power and Control in Relationships

Using Equality for Healthier Relationships

Balancing Our Empathy With Our Own Needs Particularly During Troubled Times

The Fallacy of Control -- Controlling Behaviors

Types of DV Worksheet

What is Love?

Making Better Choices: Poor Choices, versus Mistakes, Accidents and Victimhood

Mindfulness and Prevention of DV: Where was I when my DV Happened?

Mandatory Empathy Panel Presentation at SLVBHG 8/8/2028 

Empathy Panel Week Worksheets for Everyone to Complete even if they did not attend the Empathy Panel.

Cycle of Violence

Potential Risk Factors for DV: Knowing your Risk Factors 

Healthy Boundaries

Codependency, Relationships and Domestic Violence

Cognitive Distortions

The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children -- A Reminder

Building On Individual Values And A Personal Mission Statement For Domestic Violence Prevention


Moving from Being Considered the "Offender" in a Domestic Violence Case, (yet Feeling Like a Victim); Toward Becoming an Accountable Survivor




Personality Disorders, Other Psychiatric Disorders, Substance Use, and Domestic Violence

How Do I Talk About My DV Offense?  What if they won't let it go?

DV and The Holidays and Domestic Violence:  The Holidays can be a Great Time to Move Forward: Planning for a Nourishing and SAFE Holiday

Getting Ready for a NEW YEAR: Planning for A Year without Domestic Violence and A Year with Healthier Relationships 

My Domestic Violence Treatment Check-In & Check-Up

Dr. B's DV Prevention & Education Blog: My Domestic Violence Treatment Check-In & Check-Up (drbsdvpreventionandeducation.blogspot.com) 

The Phenomenon of Jealousy and How it Relates to Domestic Violence

Respect Letter

The Often-Times Challenging Journey from Trauma to Hope and Confidence for People with Domestic Violence Offenses

"Getting Ready to Take Accountability for my DV Offense."  Accountability Practice Letter Worksheet -- 

Valentine's Day and Domestic Violence -- What does Valentine's Day Mean To You?  A Process Approach 

About Relationships: Unhealthy versus Healthy 

Empathy Recognition and It's Potential Role in Preventing Domestic Violence 

Dealing Effectively with Dysfunctional, Destructive, Negative Behaviors and Problems in Relationships



Using Children as a Form of Domestic Violence During a Relationship; and/or Parental Alienation as a Form of DV After the Intimate Relationship is Over



Create Your Emergency Toolkit 

for Prevention of Domestic Violence

>>> Mindfulness and Prevention of DV: 

   Where was I when my DV Happened? <<<



and

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

NOW YOU CAN GO BACK TO THE TOP OF THIS LIST AND KEEP ON PROGRESSING!!!

Accountability Letter Worksheet

Aftercare Planning for Success.

Turn in and Read Your Accountability Letter to The Group

Exit Interview Worksheet

Finally:  if your Evaluation and all of your Treatment Sessions have not been paid for, you must pay for them before you can be successfully Discharged. 

Monday, May 26, 2025

"Just Friends" ??? The Value of Being Friends with Your Partner

DRAFT POST: Please DO NOT PRINT, SEND or RE-POST.

A Misnomer is "a wrong or inaccurate name or designation."  While some consider a Romantic Relationship to include Friendship; others do not.  Is it a Misnomer to say that "Healthy Relationships include Friendship"? 

     When someone says, "let's just be freinds...."  What does that really mean?"

  Might help to compare and contrast Friendships and Relationships

SONG: "Can We Still Be Friends?"

"Can We Still Be Friends

Song by

Todd Rundgren

We can't play this game anymore

But can we still be friends?

Things just can't go on like before

But can we still be friends?

We had something to learn

Now it's time for the wheel to turn

Grains of sand, one by one

Before you know, it's all gone

Let's admit, we made a mistake

But can we still be friends? (Can we still be friends?)

Heartbreak's never easy to take

But can we still be friends? (Can we still be friends?)

It's a strange, sad affair

Sometimes seems like we just don't care (ooh-ooh-ooh)

Don't waste time feeling hurt

We've been through hell together

(La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la)

(La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la)

(La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la)

(La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la)

(La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la)

(La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la)

(La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la)

La, la, la, la

La, la, la-la, la, la, la-la, la

Can we still be friends? (Can we still get together sometime?)

La, la, la-la, la, la, la-la, la

Can we still be friends? (You know life will still go on and on and on and on)

We awoke from our dream

Things are not always what they seem

Memories linger on

It's like a sweet, sad old song

(La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la)

(La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la)

(La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la)

(La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la)

(La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la)

(La-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la)

Songwriters: Todd Harry Rundgren. For non-commercial use only."

What We Know:

"People who are friends with their partners tend to experience greater well-being and satisfaction in their relationships. Studies show that couples who view their partner as a best friend report higher levels of companionship, Inc.com. This is particularly true for married couples, where the well-being benefits can be significantly larger for those who consider their spouse their best friend. 

Here's why friendship in a romantic relationship can contribute to greater happiness:

Increased Companionship and Support: Having a partner who is also a close friend provides a deeper sense of connection, support, and understanding. 

Enhanced Communication: Strong friendships involve open and honest communication, which can lead to better conflict resolution and a stronger overall relationship. 

Playfulness and Fun: Couples who are friends enjoy spending time together, engaging in shared hobbies, and finding humor in everyday life, which can strengthen their bond and keep the relationship exciting. 

Reduced Stress and Increased Resilience: Having a strong friendship network, including a partner, can help individuals cope with stress and feel more resilient to life's challenges. 

Overall Well-being:  Studies suggest that strong social connections, including romantic partnerships where friendship is valued, are linked to higher levels of overall well-being and life satisfaction." (SOURCE).


  According to AI:  Many relationships include Friendship / Do Healthy Relationships Include Friendship? 

"Do healthy relationships include friendship?"

  "Yes, healthy relationships, especially romantic ones, often include a strong foundation of friendship. Friendship can foster intimacy, emotional resilience, and long-term satisfaction. Couples who prioritize their friendship are more likely to navigate challenges together and experience a relationship built on mutual respect and understanding. 

Here's why friendship is so important in healthy relationships:

Mutual Respect and Trust:  Healthy relationships are built on respect and trust, and these elements are often present in strong friendships. 

Support and Understanding:  Friends provide support and understanding, which can be invaluable during challenging times. 

Open Communication:  Friends often feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings openly, which can contribute to better communication within a relationship. 

Shared Interests and Experiences:  Friendships often involve shared interests and experiences that can create a sense of connection and intimacy. 

Personal Growth:  Friendships can offer different perspectives and encourage personal growth, which can benefit a relationship. 

Resilience:  Having strong friendships can make individuals more resilient to stress and challenges, both within the relationship and outside of it. "  (Source.)


 "Yes, a healthy relationship often includes aspects of friendship, such as trust, mutual respect, shared interests, and support. While romantic relationships involve a deeper level of intimacy and commitment, a foundation of friendship can enhance emotional intimacy, communication, and resilience in the face of challenges. 

Here's why friendship is important in healthy relationships:

Stronger bonds:  Couples who are also friends are more likely to enjoy each other's company, respect each other's ideas, and be more forgiving. 

Improved communication:  Friendship fosters open and honest communication, allowing couples to address issues and work through challenges. 

Enhanced intimacy:  Friendship enhances emotional intimacy, creating a deeper sense of connection and trust. 

Resilience in the face of adversity:  A strong friendship provides a solid foundation for couples to navigate life's challenges and setbacks together. 

Increased happiness:  Couples who prioritize friendship in their relationships tend to report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction. 

Long-term connection:  Friendship can help couples maintain connection and vitality throughout the years. "


What's the Value of Friendship?

  According to Psychology Today: "6 Rules for Healthy Friendships: If you can’t follow the rules, healthy relationships don’t stand a chance.

Posted September 24, 2018 |  Reviewed by Lybi Ma

"When it comes right down to it, there is no more valuable social capital than friendships. These are the relationships that can stand the test of time and distance and roll with the punches when things get a little dicey. Good friends, though, will give you the space you need when you need it, and love you just as much when you’re down as when you’re up, and when you’re broke as well as loaded.

Even in the best friendships, life can get in the way of frequent connections, but good friends can pick up a conversation months or even years later and feel as close as ever. It’s not the frequency of connecting that proves the strength of a relationship, it’s the depth of the connection and the mutual affinity and respect that are the hallmarks of its merit.

Following is a list of six plain and simple rules that women believe people will follow if they are to be counted as a true friend:

1. Support, trust, and honesty are givens.  Everyone needs a support network — and friendships are the bedrock of our social support systems. When you consider yourself the friend of another, you’re implicitly offering to be a part of her support network. If you’re a no-show too often when you’re needed, your value in the network declines at a rate in direct proportion to how great her need might be. If you fail to show up for her, you shouldn’t be surprised if she fails to show up for you. Friendships are built on mutuality and reciprocity — be there for her, so that she will be there for you.

If you don’t trust her, she’s not your friend. If she cannot trust you, you’re not her friend. If you share untruths or spread lies, you’re not her friend. It’s just that simple. Without trust, there is no authenticity to the friendship. If you can’t be straight with her or feel the need to hide your actions or tell untruths, the relationship is being built on shifting sand and won’t be able to withstand any real challenges.

2. Listen to your friends.  Too often, we only “half hear” what others are telling us — our own lives are so complicated that we have difficulty making space for caring about another’s experiences some days. However, friendships require attention and tending — if we don’t truly know what a friend needs, and if we don’t clearly state what we’re feeling or needing ourselves, friendships just won’t survive.

3. Ditch the judgment.  Good friends are able to acknowledge that everyone is human, and that true friends don’t judge each other’s choices. If you can’t handle friends who make decisions or choose lives that differ from what you feel is “best,” then you need to exit the relationship. Friends don’t have to necessarily “like” or “approve” of their friends’ choices, but good friends will accept their friends’ choices no matter what. And if you can’t handle the path your friend is traveling, it’s better to let the relationship go than to stand on the sidelines heckling your friend or shaming her for her decisions.

Another important and related request is that you assume the best and give your friend the benefit of the doubt. If you’re quick to assume the worst and ready to lay down blame, you’re not going to be the kind of friend that anyone wants for the long haul. We have to prove ourselves often enough on the job and in other situations; don’t make friendship a proving ground, as well.

4. Don’t talk behind a friend’s back.  There’s no rule that says you have to love what your friend is wearing, who your friend is dating, how your friend is raising her kids, or any other choices your friend is making. However, there is an unspoken rule that you don’t bash your friend’s choices to others behind her back. Gossip is a dangerous tool that women use to cement their own standing in a social setting. Gossip began as a tool that was used to protect people from making mistakes that others had made before them — Kind of like warning a friend, “Tammy cheated on her exam, and she ended up having to totally retake Algebra,” or “Matta ate the berries from the plant with the scratchy leaves and almost died.” Gossip was borne out of the desire to protect others, not harm the subject of the gossip. Unfortunately, gossip today is designed to damage the reputation of another, which is a 180-degree turnaround from its original purpose.

5. Respect your friends — and their boundaries.  Respect your friends’ boundaries as well as their stories. Some friends may have a difficult time letting people get close to them for fear of being hurt. Don’t crowd your friends — give them the space they need to feel comfortable, and let the relationship deepen over time. The beautiful thing about strong friendships is that they provide the freedom to communicate openly and honestly. However, being too quick to jump in and say exactly what you think — without taking time to reflect on whether or not you’re about to show judgment or efforts at controlling a friend’s responses — can do long-term damage to the relationship. While honestly is essential, tact and diplomacy are also important elements of upfront conversations.

6. Forgive where you can — and seek forgiveness when you screw up.  When you expect more from others than you expect from yourself, your relationships are not going to be nearly as enduring as you might hope. No one promises to bring perfection to a relationship, so being willing to accept and forgive the shortcomings of others makes it much more likely that you’ll build the kind of friendships that will last. It’s also important that we are able to acknowledge when we make mistakes, as well. If you’re able to admit when you’ve failed to hold up your end of the relationship, it’s a lot more likely that a friend will be able to forgive and move forward."


Healthy Versus Unhealthy Relationships  -- Are basically Healthy Versus Unhealthy Friendships...   Except of course... Relationships are like friends with benefits.


Watch this Video: "Healthy Versus Unhealthy Relationships"

https://youtu.be/Gn7ZQ2x0cOE?si=hua5f1cmK-vxJCv6


Watch this Video: " Differences Between Good Friends and Toxic Friends" 

https://youtu.be/J0brxU8tg2I?si=pvDod8tw7b-8jUn0


Watch this Video: "6 Differences Between Healthy and Unhealthy Love"

https://youtu.be/4c5dFcC4LNY?si=FsIjbQQFKLVHHsqZ


Watch this Video: "8 Habits of Healthy Relationships"

https://youtu.be/IwZlFG-3Y4o?si=oumtaXVtQ-XGyoEF


Watch this Video: "Toxic People: How to End a Bad Relationship"

https://youtu.be/wPwck0EQkgs?si=B1J1Isuoz09QC5TM


Watch this Video: "How to Get Out of an Unhealthy Relationship"

https://youtu.be/lv2q7LWSl8s?si=UQiRyiGCKQ9pdaXX