Adult education students are learning to use their heads instead of their fists in a special class for batterers at Las Palmas Skills Center in Sacramento.
As part of their probation, adults convicted of domestic violence against either a spouse or a child have to attend a 52-week batterers' class taught by Jackie Ray, a member of the Grant District Education Association. Ray also teaches a separate class for women batterers.
"I'm getting my violence under control," says one student in Ray's class. "When I start getting angry now, I step back and think about it and walk away." He credits his teacher with his transformation. "She's helped me deal with my anger."
"Yes, he's absolutely getting it under control," agrees Ray. "He's a superstar in my program."
The day's session begins with a look at current events: Whitney Houston's alleged black eye from Bobby Brown; James Brown's new charge of spousal abuse that could land him 30 days in jail with a $1,500 fine; and the arrest of a Fresno man for killing his children and grandchildren.
Substance abuse was involved in most of these cases, notes Ray. "But substance doesn't cause violence, even though it might be around. Anger is what causes violence. And when anger becomes rage, it gets out of control."
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In a class batterers are required to take as part of their probation, Grant District teacher Jackie Ray explains how gestures can be interpreted as acts of violence or abuse. |
Anger doesn't go away, Ray tells the class. "It is something that we are going to have to live and die with, so we need to know how to manage and control it."
Ray teaches simple stress reduction, such as breathing exercises and taking a "time out." She may also suggest self-help books and tapes, medication and therapy when necessary.
Some students are surprised to hear that threats, verbal attacks and intimidation are all considered violent and abusive acts. "If you clench your fist at someone and make a gesture with that fist, you could be arrested," says Ray.
Ben comments that it only takes a minute or two for a verbal confrontation to escalate into a physical assault. "I was talking to her and the next thing I knew I attacked her," says Ben, who admitted being "under the influence" at the time.
Leo says he was put to the test recently, when he had an exceptionally bad day. His car was rear-ended, he accidentally locked his keys in his car and then he got into an argument with his girlfriend.
"I was agitated and had to settle down," he recalls. "I went outside. I took 100 deep breaths. I tried playing basketball. I sat in the park for two and a half hours because I was steaming. If I hadn't been taking this class, I would have done something really stupid. This class benefited me a lot."
"It's good to get these things off your chest in this class," says Ray. "Then you can go out and handle the rest of the world."
