P.E.A.C.E.

A 24-week educational/support group for partners/ex-partners of abusive men

P.E.A.C.E. is a weekly educational support group for any woman who is, or has been, involved with an abusive man. The focus of this group is to provide accurate information about the impact domestic violence has on individuals, families, and communities. Women will examine what they need to know if they decide to continue, end, or resume a relationship with an abusive partner. Safety issues will be addressed. Women will also have to opportunity to learn more about the Choices Program and ask questions about the goals and philosophy of this program. Ongoing groups are used to cover specific themes to better understand the dynamics of domestic violence and to end patterns of abuse.

How do I know if the woman's P.E.A.C.E. is for me?... Does your partner:

• Constantly criticize your abilities as a wife or mother?
• Behave in an overly protective manner or become extremely jealous?
• Threaten to hurt you, your children, pets, family members, friends, or himself?
• Prevent you from seeing family or friends?
• Have sudden outbursts of anger or rage?
• Destroy your personal property?
• Deny you access of family assets like bank accounts, credit cards or car?
• Control all the finances and/or force you to account for what you spend?
• Insult you or call you derogatory, racial, or sexual names?
• Shove, slap, kick, hit, or punch you?
• Use intimidation or manipulation to control you or the children?
• Humiliate or embarrass you in front of others?
• Turn minor incidents into major arguments?
• drive too fast or recklessly for others?
• Use alcohol or drugs to excuse his violence?

Have you ever asked yourself:

• How do I keep myself and my children safe?
• What are my options, rights, responsibilities, and resources?
• Should I continue, resume, or end my relationship?
• What do men learn in the Choices Program?
• How do I know he's changed?
• Can we work together and have a non violent relationship?
• What do I need to know about his process of change?
• What about my own process of change?
• What do I do with my own anger towards him and for all he has put me through?
• If he wants to listen, how do I say things he may not want to hear?
• How can a man be in Choices and still be abusive?
• Can a man stop physical abuse and still be abusive?
• How can I deal with my child?
• How do I deal with visitation?

If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, P.E.A.C.E. can help you and CHOICES can help him.