Domestic Violence Intervention Programs

The Domestic Violence Intervention Programs (DVIP) approval process is administered by the North Carolina Domestic Violence Commission, which operates under the authority granted in 2002 to oversee and approve intervention programs used by the state court system. These programs are not traditional funding opportunities but rather a formal approval and certification process that enables service providers to deliver court-recognized intervention services to domestic violence offenders. As of 2026, there are 34 approved programs operating across 65 counties, leaving a significant portion of the state without access to these services. The Commission plays a central role in ensuring program quality, consistency, and adherence to evidence-based models. The purpose of DVIPs is to re-educate individuals who have engaged in abusive behavior, focusing on accountability, behavioral change, and the development of safe and respectful relationship practices. Programs emphasize understanding the root causes of violence, including patterns of power and control, and work to equip participants with tools to manage triggers and adopt non-violent behaviors. According to program materials, these interventions are designed not only to reduce recidivism but also to enhance survivor safety by promoting offender responsibility and behavioral change. Certified programs must also coordinate with victim service agencies to ensure survivor perspectives and safety considerations are integrated into program operations. The approval process is structured as a two-part review conducted by the Domestic Violence Offender Management Committee. The first stage is a screening phase that verifies whether applicants meet baseline requirements, including maintaining a memorandum of understanding with a victim service agency in the service area, ensuring staff have completed approved training, and providing letters of support. Only applicants that pass this initial screening proceed to the second stage, which involves a detailed review of policies, procedures, and supporting documentation. This ensures that all approved programs meet standardized operational and ethical requirements. Applicants must utilize one of three approved training models: the Duluth Model, the Emerge Model, or Men Stopping Violence. These models represent established frameworks for intervention and are required for program certification. Programs must demonstrate adherence to these models in their curriculum and operations. Additionally, programs are expected to maintain structured engagement with participants, typically lasting a minimum of 26 weeks, to provide sufficient time for behavioral change and accountability development. Applications are accepted on a recurring basis with two annual submission deadlines: February 1 and August 1. Review periods follow each deadline, running from February 1 to March 15 and from August 1 to September 15. Applications that fail to meet all requirements or require corrections must be resubmitted during a subsequent review cycle. Final approval decisions are made by the Domestic Violence Commission at its next scheduled meeting following the review period, and applicants are notified of approval, denial, or the need for additional clarification. There is no direct funding amount associated with this opportunity, as it is an approval and certification process rather than a grant award. However, approved programs gain eligibility to operate within the court system, which may enable them to receive participant fees or other funding streams. The process requires submission of detailed application materials, including policies and procedures documentation, organizational agreements, and supporting letters. Required forms and reporting tools, such as quarterly statistical reports and memoranda of understanding templates, are provided to support program compliance and ongoing monitoring. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact Lori Gerber, Domestic Violence Intervention Program Director, via email at lori.gerber@doa.nc.gov or by phone at 828-641-7730. The program office is located at 46 Haywood Street, Suite 315, Asheville, North Carolina. This recurring approval process plays a critical role in expanding access to intervention services across the state and maintaining consistent standards for offender rehabilitation programs.

Ensure all required documentation is complete before submission, as incomplete applications must wait until the next review cycle; align program design strictly with one of the approved intervention models; establish strong partnerships with victim service agencies early in the process