In California, when a crime is committed against one’s intimate partner, it will be treated as a crime of domestic violence. Homosexual intimate partners are those who are or were civilly united, those who are or were dating, those who are or were living together and those who have children together. It therefore follows that if one pursues or harasses and threatens his or her intimate partner, intending to place that partner in fear, he or she will be charged with stalking as a domestic abuse crime in California.

When an individual is placed on probation for committing any intimate partner abuse crime in California, he or she will be ordered to complete certain requirements while on probation. One of those requirements is participation in a batterer’s class. As part of probation, the defendant will be required to attend at least 52 weekly two-hour classes and, in the end, will be evaluated based on his or her progress.

Batterer’s classes are imposed to help an individual who has been convicted of a DV-related offense to stop his or her abusive behavior. To ensure that their participants are as open and honest as possible, they are conducted in all male or all female settings and a GLBT individual may be able to find a class that is sensitive and specific to the unique issues that such an individual may have when involved in a relationship that has been affected by domestic violence.

Batterer’s classes are mandated by the state to ensure that a defendant receives the same education, regardless of where he or she lives. Each program must address strategies that hold the defendant accountable for his or her abusive role in his or her relationship, must maintain an alcohol and drug free environment and must examine gender roles, socialization, the nature of violence, the dynamics of power and control and the effects of abuse on children and others. Class facilitators are supposed to have specific knowledge about intimate partner abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse, the dynamics of violence and abuse, the law and the legal system.

Batterer’s classes, when imposed in connection with a stalking charge, will hopefully teach the defendant that stalking his or her intimate partner can be devastating to that partner, as stalking victims live in constant fear and can feel very isolated. The participant will learn that it is unhealthy to try to control a relationship through intimidation or threats, will learn positive ways to control his or her emotions and will learn ways to help empower his or her partner by restoring balance to the relationship.

Progress reports will be provided to the court on a regular basis and at the end of the program. If the class facilitator feels, at any time, that the defendant’s participation is unsatisfactory, he or she can suggest removing the defendant from the program. If that happens, the defendant will likely be ordered by the court to participate in a different type of more intensive counseling and/or will be sentenced to more jail or prison time. A good California domestic violence lawyer will help the defendant comply with all of his or her requirements to avoid further punishment.

The trusted, LGBT supportive attorneys at the Kavinoky Law Firm do their best to help their clients through difficult times. They understand that meeting this class requirement may be the most difficult part of probation for some of their clients to fulfill and will try to make it as easy and convenient for them as possible. With law offices located in Los Angeles and throughout California, they are well equipped to recommend classes that will meet their individual client’s needs, no matter where they reside within the state. For legal advice about a same sex stalking charge, a batterer’s class or about any other legal matter, contact them today for a free consultation.