Domestic violence classes by state · Texas
Court-Ordered Domestic Violence Classes in Texas
If a Texas court ordered you into a domestic violence class, it almost certainly means the state's certified program — Battering Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP), accredited by TDCJ-CJAD — 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 Texas
Varies by court / provider. A BIPP is a longer, group-based accredited program (about 18–24+ weekly sessions) that addresses patterns of power and control — not a short anger-management course. It is typically delivered in person; some accredited providers run virtual groups, but acceptance is up to the court and your community-supervision officer, so confirm before you enroll. the Texas court that sentenced you (a County Court at Law or District Court) and your community-supervision (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 | Battering Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP), accredited by TDCJ-CJAD |
|---|---|
| When it's required | When a Texas defendant is placed on community supervision (probation) for a family-violence offense, Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 42A.504 lets the court direct the defendant to a Battering Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP) accredited under Art. 42.141. If no accredited program is available, the defendant may instead attend counseling with a licensed provider who has family-violence intervention training approved by TDCJ-CJAD. |
| Typical length | A minimum of roughly 18 to 24 or more weekly group sessions (frequently cited as at least about 36 hours total); some counties require more. Follow the number in your order. |
| In person or online? | Varies by court / provider |
| Who certifies / approves it | The Texas Department of Criminal Justice — Community Justice Assistance Division (TDCJ-CJAD) accredits Battering Intervention and Prevention Programs (BIPPs) and publishes the official accredited-provider list. Generic anger-management providers are not state-accredited. |
Texas-specific rules to know
- CRITICAL DISTINCTION: a generic anger-management class is NOT a Battering Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP). In family-violence cases Texas courts order an accredited BIPP — a longer group program addressing power and control — and an anger-management certificate may not satisfy the court.
- Only the domestic-violence track is state-accredited: TDCJ-CJAD accredits BIPPs and publishes the accredited-provider list. There is no equivalent official state list for generic anger-management classes.
- Statutory basis: Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 42A.504 lets a court direct a family-violence community-supervision defendant to a BIPP accredited under Art. 42.141; if none is available, the defendant may see a licensed counselor with CJAD-approved family-violence intervention training.
- Timing rule: under Art. 42A.504 the defendant must begin the ordered BIPP/counseling no later than the 60th day after community supervision is granted and report attendance to the supervision officer.
- Confirm the specific accredited provider and format with the court or your community-supervision officer BEFORE you enroll and pay.
Find an accepted domestic violence program in Texas
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 Texas court that sentenced you (a County Court at Law or District Court) and your community-supervision (probation) officer before you pay:
Prefer to look on a map? Search Google Maps for certified domestic violence programs in Texas — 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 Texas 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: tdcj.texas.gov/divisions/cjad/bipp.html, statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/CR/pdf/CR.42A.pdf, texaslawhelp.org/article/battering-intervention-and-prevention-programs-bipp.