E5: Engaging Those Who Use Harm: The Role of Batterer Intervention Programs

Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) affect individuals across all demographics. Human services and law enforcement responders often encounter IPV cases and must collaborate to support survivors. Despite their shared goal of ensuring safe families and communities, these collaborations can be challenging due to differing priorities, processes, and responsibilities. Juan Carlos Areán of Futures Without Violence (https://futureswithoutviolence.org/) discusses his 35‑year career working with individuals who cause harm in intimate partner relationships. He provides training and develops curricula focusing on the intersection of fatherhood and domestic violence for organizations nationwide. Mr. Areán says fatherhood can be a powerful influence in batterer intervention programs because many fathers who cause harm are motivated to change for the sake of their children. That has led to support programs that leverage men’s roles as fathers to encourage behavior change. “Anyone who has worked with fathers who use violence realizes that many of them can be motivated to change when they realize the damage that they are doing to their children. So basically, through the love of their children, that's where the change can happen.” Juan Carlos Areán Guide for fathers who want to change and heal their relationships: https://futureswithoutviolence.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Father-Workbook-English-FINAL-2025.pdf Intervention Services in Florida: https://www.myflfamilies.com/bipc National Helpline for people who cause harm: https://acallforchangehelpline.org/ Content Note: This episode contains an in-depth discussion about domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including descriptions of abusive behavior and its emotional and psychological impacts. These topics may be distressing or activating for some listeners. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence or feels unsafe, please consider taking a break from this episode or listening with support. For confidential help, contact: National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233) 📱 Text: Text “START” to 88788 💬 Chat: Available at thehotline.org https://www.thehotline.org/ https://acf.gov/fysb/ndvh https://www.mnadv.org/get-help/24-hour-national-hotline/ National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673) Florida Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7) 📞 Phone: 1‑800‑500‑1119 📞 TTY: 1‑800‑621‑4202 https://www.fcadv.org/dv-hotline https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/domestic-violence https://www.fpedv.org/get-help/ The Institute honors the many ways those impacted by violence identify. For that reason, we will use the terms “victim” and “survivor” interchangeably to honor both preferences. We also recognize that professionals use different terms to describe their work in this space, including “domestic violence,” “intimate partner violence,” and “partner violence.” While each of these terms has a specific meaning, we will again use terms interchangeably for professional representation. Just a reminder: Our guests’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views, policies, or positions of the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. Tune in and subscribe to our Child Welfare podcast at http://FICW.FSU.EDU/PODCAST The Florida Institute for Child Welfare seeks to promote safety, permanency, and well-being among children and families within the child welfare system. Learn more about our research and professional development programs at http://FICW.FSU.EDU Connect with us on social media: @FSUChildWelfare http://Facebook.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Instagram.com/FSUChildWelfare http://Twitter.com/FSUChildWelfare http://LinkedIn.com/company/FSUChildWelfare Host:  Dr. Lisa Magruder Producing/Editing: David Heller, Brantley Jones, Izzy Cring