With domestic violence a growing problem in our society, one community's successful counselling program is becoming a national model. Bellevue, Washington developed a system in which first-time offenders can forego criminal charges and conviction in exchange for undergoing intensive treatment. This approach has resulted in a repeat offense rate of only 4% among those completing treatment.

For people like Bill Edmundson, just completing group therapy, the program has made a major difference. Had he not had the opportunity to understand the causes and consequences of his action, "I could have seriously hurt somebody," he acknowledges. This documentary shows it is not only men who abuse. A family counselor discusses his own situation in which he was the victim of his wife's behavior.

Often the judicial system does not protect the victim. With the courts backlogged with cases, abusers may remain at large while their victims live in fear. An important program for mental health professionals.

American Psychological Association, 1994
1st Place, Special Interest, American Correctional Association, 1994