Domestic violence classes by state · California
Court-Ordered Domestic Violence Classes in California
If a California court ordered you into a domestic violence class, it almost certainly means the state's certified program — 52-week Batterer Intervention Program (BIP) under Penal Code § 1203.097 — not a generic anger-management class. Here's what that program is, how long it runs, whether it can be done online, and how to find one your court will accept.
If you or someone else is in danger right now, call 911. To talk to someone about domestic violence — as a survivor or if you're worried about your own behavior — the National Domestic Violence Hotline is free, confidential, and available 24/7: call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.org.
Quick answer: domestic violence classes in California
In-person required. The 52-week BIP under Penal Code § 1203.097 is built on in-person, same-gender group sessions with reporting to the court. County probation approved-program lists frequently state outright that online classes are NOT approved, and online BIP completion is generally not accepted (limited exceptions only with court permission). A short or online anger-management class will not satisfy a California domestic violence order. the California Superior Court (in the county that handled your case) or your probation officer decides what counts — confirm the specific certified program and format before you enroll or pay.
Anger management is not the same thing. Read anger management vs. batterer intervention to make sure you sign up for the right program the first time.
At a glance
| What courts order | 52-week Batterer Intervention Program (BIP) under Penal Code § 1203.097 |
|---|---|
| When it's required | If you are granted probation for a crime involving domestic violence — Penal Code 273.5, 243(e)(1), or any crime against a person defined in Family Code 6211 — California Penal Code § 1203.097 requires the court to order a batterer's program of at least one year (52 weekly sessions). A generic anger-management class does not satisfy this order. |
| Typical length | A minimum of 52 weekly sessions (one full year), with at least two hours of class time per week, completed within 18 months (Penal Code § 1203.097). |
| In person or online? | In-person required |
| Who certifies / approves it | The court may refer you only to a batterer's program approved by the COUNTY probation department (Penal Code § 1203.097). Each county probation department certifies and publishes its own approved 52-week BIP list — there is no single statewide directory. |
California-specific rules to know
- CRITICAL DISTINCTION: in California a generic anger-management class does NOT satisfy a domestic-violence order. If the offense involves domestic violence or a domestic/dating-relationship victim (Family Code 6211), Penal Code § 1203.097 requires the 52-week Batterer Intervention Program (BIP) — weekly 2-hour group sessions, not a short anger class.
- BIPs are certified at the COUNTY level, not statewide. Each county probation department (e.g., Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Santa Clara, Riverside) maintains its own approved 52-week program list — there is no single statewide certified-provider directory.
- The court may refer you only to a program approved by your county probation department, so you must pick from that county's approved-BIP list — enrolling off-list can mean your completion is rejected.
- California generally expects in-person BIP group attendance; county probation lists commonly state that online BIP classes are not approved, so do not assume a virtual course will count.
- Always confirm the exact program, county, and format with the ordering court or your probation officer BEFORE enrolling and paying.
Find an accepted domestic violence program in California
A certified program is not the same as a class you find on your own, so the safest move is to confirm the specific provider with the California Superior Court (in the county that handled your case) or your probation officer before you pay:
Prefer to look on a map? Search Google Maps for certified domestic violence programs in California — then check any provider against your court's order, and confirm it is on the certified/approved list, before enrolling.
Source & accuracy: compiled from official California statutes and certifying-agency sources. Requirements change and vary by court and case — always confirm the certified program, format, length, and deadline with the court that ordered you before enrolling. Sources: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=1203.097, pro.santaclaracounty.gov/adult-services/find-batterer-intervention-programs-adults, ocprobation.ocgov.com/probation-services/domestic-violence-programs.