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 Facilitator Guide presents the 20-session format, with the theory, structure, and content needed to run effective groups. The guide includes an overall description of the program, step-by-step instructions for conducting each session, and What I Want My Words to Do to You, an award-winning documentary DVD which is incorporated throughout the program sessions, and one participant workbook.

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.