Messages about cooperative parenting and enhancing communication traditionally given in parent education classes are dangerous for victims of intimate partner sexual abuse. Rather than emphasizing co-parenting and communication skills, specialized groups should stress separate, parallel parenting and detailed safety planning. In addition, victims need information on the dynamics of abuse, ways that their partner may try to manipulate the custody process, and community referrals. (Bancroft & Silverman, The Batterer as Parent, 2002 at 207-208).

Special safety precautions are also necessary to keep victims safe. Parents should never be allowed to attend the same session, and the perpetrator should not be informed of the victim's planned date of attendance. If the parents are attending separate classes, the location should be kept confidential, and heightened security precautions, including visible security guards, weapon screening, and escort services should be provided (Lutz & Grady, Necessary Measures and Logistics to Maximize the Safety of Victims of Domestic Violence Attending Parent Education Programs, 2004 at 363).