Domestic violence classes by state · New York
Court-Ordered Domestic Violence Classes in New York
If a New York court ordered you into a domestic violence class, it almost certainly means the state's certified program — Abusive Partner Intervention Program (APIP) or batterer program accepted by your court (New York has no statewide certification or program standards) — 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 New York
Varies by court / provider. New York has no statewide rule on program format or length. In New York City, the court-mandated APIP runs 16- or 26-week tracks offered through both virtual and in-person workshops; elsewhere, the court or probation department decides what it accepts. A short or self-paced anger-management course is a different thing — confirm the program and format before you enroll. the New York court that ordered you (criminal, Family, or Supreme Court) 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 | Abusive Partner Intervention Program (APIP) or batterer program accepted by your court (New York has no statewide certification or program standards) |
|---|---|
| When it's required | New York has no statute requiring a state-certified batterer program. Abusive partner intervention programs are commonly used as a condition or sanction in domestic violence cases, ordered case by case. In Family Court, an order of protection may require the respondent to take part in a batterer's education program and pay for it if able (Family Court Act § 842(g)). |
| Typical length | No statewide minimum. New York City's APIP runs 16 or 26 weeks, with the track set by the court mandate. Outside NYC, follow the length in your order and confirm it with the court or your probation officer. |
| In person or online? | Varies by court / provider |
| Who certifies / approves it | No New York State agency licenses or certifies batterer or abusive partner intervention programs, and there is no official statewide list of approved programs. The NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) published voluntary guidelines for these programs in 2017, and the 2025 NYS Domestic Violence Fatality Review found existing programs are "not always evidence-based or guided by standards," recommending the State explore standards and oversight. Your sentencing court or probation department decides which programs count. |
New York-specific rules to know
- CRITICAL DISTINCTION: in a domestic-violence case, New York courts order an abusive partner intervention / batterer program, not a generic anger-management class. These programs address abuse and control of an intimate partner; an anger-management certificate generally will not satisfy a domestic-violence order, so confirm which one your order requires.
- New York does not certify these programs and publishes no statewide approved list. The State's own 2025 Domestic Violence Fatality Review reported a shortage of programs across the state and inconsistency among the programs that exist — so checking with your court before you pay matters even more here.
- Family Court Act § 842(g): a Family Court order of protection can require the respondent to take part in a batterer's education program (which may include referral to drug and alcohol counseling) and pay its costs if able. The law does not require the petitioner, the state, or local government to pay.
- In New York City, APIP is primarily a court-mandated program for people with an open domestic violence case in Criminal Court or Supreme Court who were offered it in a plea or mandated by a judge; it is offered free of charge to eligible participants.
- Because approval is local, get the accepted-program list or a referral from your probation officer, attorney, or the court clerk, and confirm the specific program before enrolling.
Find an accepted domestic violence program in New York
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 New York court that ordered you (criminal, Family, or Supreme Court) or your probation officer before you pay:
Prefer to look on a map? Search Google Maps for certified domestic violence programs in New York — 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 New York 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: nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/FCT/842, opdv.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/public-hearings-on-accountability-programs-for-those-who-cause-harm-report_0.pdf, opdv.ny.gov/2025-new-york-state-domestic-violence-review-report, criminaljustice.cityofnewyork.us/programs/abusive-partner-intervention-program-apip.