The Domestic Violence Program

Stopping the Violence!

The program is open to anyone 18 years of age or older who has been physically or verbally aggressive toward his or her partner

The Domestic Violence Program Can Help Stop Family Violence

• Helping abusers to claim their behavior so they can change it, including developing techniques to deal with anger, control and power in relationships can help stop the violence.
• Family violence will only stop when the abuser chooses to stop the violent behavior. The Domestic Violence Program of Family and Children's Association can help participants change their physically or verbally abusive behavior.
• Participants come to the Domestic Violence Program for a variety of reasons: some because their partners encourage them; some have been referred by judges or probation officers; some see the harm their behavior is causing and want to stop.
• But wanting to stop - even promising to stop - isn't enough. Most people need education before they can stop - and Family and Children's provides that.
• The problem exists in all age groups, all occupations and at all economic levels. Yet, we know that participants can and do respond to a program that meets their needs and concerns.

The Program

• Participants attend group education once a week for 24 weeks.
• Professional leaders, specially trained in the problems and dynamics of domestic violence, conduct each group.
• Issues of drug and alcohol abuse, marital communication and alternatives to violence are part of the agenda. All participants are screened for substance abuse.
• Counseling services are available to participants who complete the program and still feel the need for further help.
• Weekly fees are based on a sliding scale.

We ask participants to focus on three basic principles:

• Using violent behavior is a choice you have made. You can choose not to be violent or abusive.
• You are the only one responsible for your behavior, therefore you control your actions.
• Abusive behavior is learned behavior. What is learned can be unlearned. - you can change.

Is the Domestic Violence Program the right place for you? If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, call for help!

• Are you afraid you may hurt someone you care about?
• Do you "overreact" to minor events?
• Do you sometimes apologize for being too "rough" and then do it again?
• Does your partner feel you are possessive, jealous or trying to control him or her?
• Have you ever physically hurt or threatened your partner?

"We are Family and Children's Association, the human service network of Long Island.
We protect and strengthen children, youth, adults, families, seniors and communities."

Abuse, Assault, Court Referral, Criminal Justice, Domestic Violence, Groups

Individual, Mandated, Probation, Spouse Abuse, Victims