Description:
Living Without Violence in the Family is a 10 session (20 hours) program of prevention and awareness for parents. It targets values, attitudes and behaviors related to family violence.
The definition of "violence", within the Program is very broad. It includes economic abuse, threats and coercion, intimidation, emotional abuse and isolation, among others. Because many parents have experienced family lives that do not conform to the traditional nuclear family concept (married, mother, father and children living together), the definition used for "family" is also very broad. It includes intimate and common-law relationships.
Living Without Violence is intended to introduce parents to a broader understanding of what constitutes violence, and what are its causes and impact. As a prevention program, it may encourage participants to adopt attitudes and beliefs to prevent future violence. It may also indirectly encourage those who are abusive in their relationships to seek treatment. It is part of an overall strategy to reduce or prevent family. This is not a therapy program.
The course is designed to provide information and understanding on the topic of family violence. There is no discussion of personal experiences. Rather, the focus is on "third person" situations. Parents are not asked to disclose personal information regarding their family .
The Objectives:
Increase the parents' awareness of family violence issues; discuss the ætiology of behaviors and present examples of healthy adult relationships and parenting practices; challenge the beliefs and attitudes that perpetuate family violence.
