“APP” is what you might have heard your (ex-)partner call this program. That stands for “Abused Persons Program,” the department of Montgomery County that runs this program. This program is an Abuse Intervention Program, which is designed to help abusive men understand what abuse is, change the way they behave, and ultimately keep their partners – past, present, and future – safe.

Men meet once a week, usually for 22 weeks, for an hour and a half each week. They show up either online (on Zoom) or in person at our building in Rockville and participate in group discussions and activities with 1-2 group facilitators who are trained to work with men who use violence. Participants are encouraged to look at their abusive behaviors and attitudes, held accountable for them, and supported in changing the way they behave in their relationships.

We talk about abuse in all its forms. We talk about relationships, respect, anger, stress, parenting, and more. You can see the table of contents for the program manual below:

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You have the right to know whether your (ex-)partner is compliant with the group requirements. To participate in the program, all men must sign a release allowing us to provide you with this information. Please call us at 240-777-4856 or email [email protected] to ask any questions you may have. We will not tell your (ex-)partner that you called. He has been told that such information may be provided to you at any time.

If your partner has been referred to us by someone else (court, probation officer, etc.), the referring agency will be notified and they are expected to hold him accountable. He may or may not go to jail. We will also reach out to you to notify you of this.

Many men change their behaviors and attitudes by going through this program. Many do not. Unfortunately, we can not guarantee a participant will change as a result of our program; however, research on abuse intervention programs does indicate that they are effective in helping some people change.

While we hope that you won’t be further abused while your (ex-)partner is attending (or afterwards), we cannot guarantee your safety. Please call the county crisis hotline if you believe you are in danger: 240-777-4000.

In case of emergency please call 911.

Please call APP’s victim services for help: 240-777-4210. You can also reach out to the county crisis hotline 24/7: 240-777-4000 (located at 1302 Piccard Dr.). You are also encouraged to call us and let us know you are still being abused: 240-777-4856.

In case of emergency please call 911.

Please call APP victim services for help: 240-777-4210. You can also reach out to the county crisis hotline 24/7: 240-777-4000 (located at 1302 Piccard Dr.).

Please feel free to reach out to us at 240-777-4856 or email [email protected].