Violent and Controlling Behavior List

Tactics & Choices

Men Stopping Violence, in conjunction with the DeKalb County Magistrate Court, provides a twice-monthly class for some men who have been arrested for domestic violence offenses in DeKalb County.

The class examines men’s use of abusive and intimidating tactics against women, and tactics used to enforce and maintain power and control. The use of videos and other educational materials prompt men to engage in a dialogue that explores their behavioral choices.

The class also explores the question, “Who batters and why?,” and the myths and beliefs about what it is to be a man in a relationship with a woman.

The 2020 class schedule has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. New dates will be posted once classes resume.

January 10th and 24th

February 7th and 21st

March 6th and 20th

April 3rd and 17th

The classes are at the DeKalb County Courthouse at 556 N. McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030. The class starts promptly at 2 p.m. and ends about 5:15 p.m.

Men who arrive late will not be able to enter class.

For more information, please call 404.270.9894.

24-Week Educational Course

For 35 years, Men Stopping Violence (MSV) has conducted a 24-week educational course available to all men who are interested in exploring the issue of violence against women. This course is certified by the State of Georgia and covers how men can choose to be part of a movement to create safe communities for women and girls.

Before enrolling in the 24-week Educational Course: Men At Work, a man must attend an Application Interview, as described below.

For questions about enrolling, please contact MSV at 404.270.9894.

Application Interview

This one-on-one interview determines whether or not a man is qualified to enter the 24-week course.

The interview generally takes approximately one hour.

The session covers:

•Information about MSV and about the classes

•Expectations, contracts and accountability

•Cost: an investment in safety and justice

•Questions and answers

24-Week Educational Course: Men At Work

The MSV 24-week course offers men the education and the tools they need to begin changing violent and abusive behavior. The course is for anyone who wants to live more peacefully, establish meaningful relationships in their lives, and create safe communities for women and girls. In this course, men will receive information about violence against women, interact with other men, and complete exercises that help deepen their understanding of ways to make healthy and safe choices. The course has three units, each with two to four lessons.

The units are:

•Defining the Problem

•The Impact of Male Violence Against Women

•Manhood Revisited

Time and Location

Classes are conducted on Monday from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and Saturday afternoons from 1:00-3:00p.m. Men may select which class best fits their schedule.

Monday class is held in downtown Decatur a short walk from the MARTA train station. Thursday and Saturday class are located at our office in Decatur.

For more information, please call 404.270.9894.

For Women in Relationships with Controlling, Violent Men

If you are in an intimate relationship with an abusive man and concerned for your safety, it is recommended that you reach out to the victim liaison organization MSV works with, the Women’s Resource Center whose services range from legal advocacy, support groups, to temporary housing. You can call their free, confidential 24-hour crisis line at 404.688.9436. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

For a list of local resources, please click here.