Partner Assault Response (PAR) Program
subject:
Partner Assault
Length:
12 sessions
Effort:
45-60 min/session
Duration:
1-2 months
Counselling:
One-on-one
Language:
English
Legal:
Meets all requirements
Certificate:
Completion Report
Fees:
Negotiable, average $150 per session (including taxes) + $60 report fee
Partner Assault Response (PAR) Program Counselling: A Path to Healing Together
The Partner Assault Response Services (PARS) program is a 12-session Domestic Violence initiative that delivers a specialized intervention program to give individuals the opportunity to examine their beliefs and attitudes towards intimate partner violence and to learn non-abusive ways of resolving conflict. It is a psycho-educational and counselling program designed to help participants stop their violent, abusive and controlling behaviours towards their partners. It primarily aims to help clients take responsibility and ownership for their behaviours. This is not the main PARS centre; we offer the program privately.
This program is also referred to as the Domestic Abuse Program (DAP) or the Domestic Involvement Prevention Program (DIPP) in some courts. In addition, our Centre also offers risk assessments for recidivism and victim outreach/support programs. Our program is suitable for those with a peace bond or a conditional discharge outcome. It is also suitable for those without a court order who are choosing to complete the program for personal reasons. The difference is that allegations will not be discussed in a peace bond outcome, whereas they will be for a conditional discharge. This is private counselling, usually on an individual basis, and is not government-funded. Please note that completion of the program does not guarantee any legal outcomes, such as charges being dropped, altered, or withdrawn.
How Partner Assault Response (PAR) Counselling Works
Program Overview
The Partner Assault Response (PAR) program is designed to help individuals who have challenges relating to their partners. Often, these individuals are charged with domestic assault. This program specializes in counselling and educating offenders who are ordered to attend the PAR program. PAR programs aim to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable for their behaviour.
The Report of Completion is only issued once fees are paid in full.
The 12-session-long program allows offenders to examine their beliefs and attitudes towards domestic abuse, and to learn non-abusive ways of resolving conflict. The PAR program is usually completed within 1-2 months when completed on a one-on-one basis, as opposed to in a small group. For clients who do not need to complete the entire counselling program, single session therapy (SST) is available. The cost is $150 per session, and more sessions can be arranged as needed.
Although this program is called Partner Assault Response Services (PARS), its approach is broader, covering life skills management and personal development.
Meets the requirements of the Ontario Legal System (Courts), subject to the approval of the relevant legal authorities. The PARS Program offered by the Anger Management Centre of Toronto, Inc. is not always provincially mandated, nor is it provincially accredited. Clients can only proceed to complete the program after receiving approval from the Crown Attorney, probation officer, or police officer assigned to their case. Please note that this requirement applies to the PARS Program; it does not apply to other programs.
Fast tracking, sometimes referred to as the compressed program, means that the client will complete the twelve (12) 1-hour individual psychological counselling sessions during the course of three weeks. Homework will be assigned in addition to face-to-face individual counselling; it is normally completed outside the therapeutic sessions. A completion report will then be issued to the client. The program’s content and processes are the same as those offered by other agencies. Still, the client is treated individually and seen more frequently throughout the course.
Contents of the Program
- Topic One:
Introduction to PAR, based on the Duluth Model for treating domestic violence, is an early intervention program.
This topic aims to help you understand how completing the program will help you change from a power-and-control way of behaving to equality in your relationships.
- Topic Two:
Using intimidation to Non-Threatening Behaviour
Upon completion, you will be able to engage in rational communication and behaviour so that your partner feels safe and comfortable expressing themselves and doing things.
- Topic Three:
Using Emotional Abuse to Respect
Upon completion, you will be able to listen to your partner without judgment and value their opinions as part of being respectful.
- Topic Four:
Using Isolation to Trust and Support
Upon completion, you will be able to support your partner’s goals, respect your partner’s rights, friends, activities and opinions that are important for a trusting relationship.
- Topic Five:
Minimizing, Denying and Blaming to Honesty and Accountability
Upon completion, you will be able to assume responsibility for yourself, to understand past use of different forms of violence and to admit being wrong as well as communicating openly and honestly.
- Topic Six:
Using Children to Responsible Parenting
Upon completion, you will be able to share parental responsibilities while serving as a positive, non-violent role model for your children and your partner.
- Topic Seven:
Using Gender Privilege to Shared Responsibility
Upon completion, you will be able to share responsibilities by mutually agreeing on a fair distribution of work and making decisions together as a couple.
- Topic Eight:
Using Economic Abuse to Economic Partnership
Upon completion, you will be able to make financial decisions together with your partner. You will ensure that both of you benefit from the financial arrangements.
- Topic Nine:
Using Coercion and Threats in Negotiation and Fairness
Upon completion, you will be able to experience a mutually satisfying resolution of conflicts, accept changes and be willing to compromise.
- Topic Ten:
Conclusion and Final Assessment
This program involves attending a total of 12 2-hour counselling sessions covering the above topics, in addition to homework assignments. It can also be completed within a shorter period of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
Clients are requested to book an appointment and attend an initial session. Here, you will receive a Letter of Enrollment indicating that you will be completing the PARS Program on an individual basis. The letter is to be submitted to your lawyer for the Crown to review. Once approved by the Crown, clients can book their follow-up appointment to begin the program, twelve (12) individual sessions focusing on domestic violence and power and control.
How long will the PARS Program take to complete?
Typically, we encourage our clients to attend weekly sessions. In this way, clients are able to practice what was discussed in session and reflect. The program can be completed in 1-1.5 months. However, in cases of urgency, it can be completed in a shorter period of time.
Does taking the PARS Program mean that I am admitting guilt?
No, it does not. The PARS Program is a psycho-educational program designed to help you learn about factors that contribute to unhealthy relationships, especially as they relate to power and control.
What format do you provide? One-on-one or group?
The Anger Management Centre of Toronto, Inc. offers the PARS Program on an individual basis.
What do you mean by 'subject to the approval of the Crown'
Since we offer the program on an individual basis, your Crown must be aware that the program will be completed in this format. We do not proceed with counselling or take any fees unless your Crown has approved your attendance.
