Application of Social and Emotional Intelligence for Batterers' Intervention Programs in Florida

Dialogues on the subject of domestic violence in society have been a key issue for the past few decades. This descriptive, qualitative study explored how social and emotional intelligence (SEI) content could be utilized to develop Batterers' Intervention programs (BIP) in Palm Beach and Broward counties in the state of Florida. This study addressed the central research question on how emotional intelligence content was used to improve program effectiveness for BIP, by discovering that Social and Emotional Intelligence does: (1) increase batterer self-awareness; provide (2) better case management through a hands-on approach; contribute to the (3) application of diverse communication approach; and support (4) a safe non-discriminatory environment. Through interviews with 12 facilitators and staff members at eight BIPs in Florida, the findings also expounded on what characteristics of SEI and content were most applicable to BIPs. It was then learned that: (1) SEI content is applicable for BIP programs; while (2) not all SEI content is seen in the Duluth Model approach; and lastly, there was an (3) unconscious use of SEI in BIP programs. The inclusion of emotional intelligence content can be used to reduce BIP failure by regulating that (4) the Power and Control Model does not work for BIP in Florida and by promoting the (5) ability to be creative and innovative. The results indicated that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all program. The inclusion of SEI content could then add a more lucid answer into the current situation that through an integrative approach, more efficient batterer's intervention program will emerge.;Keywords: Batterers' Intervention Program, BIP, social and emotional Intelligence, SEI.