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Victim Services of S.D.G. & A. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance to individuals who have been victimized as a result of a crime or tragic circumstance. Our agency works in partnership with police as well as emergency and other community based services to ensure victims receive the help they need to assist them in the development of their personal path to recovery. Funding for this Program is provided by the Government of Ontario. The views expressed in the publication are the views of the Recipient and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province.

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Services & Programs

Partner Assault Response (PAR) Program

The Partner Assault Response (PAR) Program at Victim Services of SDG&A provides 12 week in person or virtual group sessions for individuals who have been mandated by the Court to attend and participate in the PAR Program in response to a criminal charge involving intimate partner violence. Sessions are between 90 minutes and 2 hours in duration and deliver information to promote non violent strategies, accountability, and healthier relationship skills in a structured, facilitator led environment. The PAR Program is funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General and is a Domestic Violence Court initiative.

What are the Objectives of the PAR Program?

The primary objectives of the PAR Program are to:

  • Increase a participant’s understanding of non-abusive, healthy ways of interacting with
    their intimate partner;
  • Increase victim/survivor safety and prevent revictimization through direct victim/survivor supports, as well as participant interventions;
  • Support victim/survivor healing and recovery by strengthening each participant’s personal
    accountability for their actions;
  • Reduce each participant’s likelihood of reoffending by improving help-seeking behaviours and support changing their abusive behaviour.

How does the PAR Program Meet These Objectives?

These objectives are met by:

  • Provide education to participants regarding the dynamics and impact of intimate partner violence.
  • Provide participants with appropriate non-abusive strategies and opportunity to practice skills to resolve conflict and develop healthy relationships.
  • Provide participants with referrals to other community support services, as required.
  • Provide victim(s)/survivor(s) with safety planning, referrals to community programs and services and updates about the participant’s progress through the duration of the program.

How many Weeks Will I be Required to Attend the PAR Program?

There is an Intake and Assessment session and 12 sessions after that. You must complete all sessions.

When are Groups Offered?

We are offering 2 groups, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Do I have to Pay a Fee for This Program?

Yes, you are required to pay a fee for this Program. To accurately assess the applicable fee, participants are required to provide proof of income to determine your fee. As a condition of your Court Order, you must pay the total assessed fee. You will sign an agreement specific to this Program about this and will also sign a fee contract with our agency.

Intake and Assessment

Intake begins once a Court Order or referral is issued and the participant makes successful contact with the PAR Program team. During intake, staff review program expectations and confidentiality limits, gather background information, collects required documentation, assess eligibility and determines fees. Once completed and accepted into the Program, participants are assigned to a group, and parallel outreach begins for survivors and/or current partners. Fees established are to be paid in accordance with the Fee Agreement.

Can I be discharged from the Program Before Completing 12 Sessions?

Yes, there are several grounds upon which a person can be discharged from the program. They include:

  • Failure to complete a homework assignment (on more than one occasion)
  • Late for group (on more than one occasion)
  • Disruptive in group
  • Assaulted or threatened the survivor or current partner.
  • Attended a session impaired by alcohol or some other drug.
  • Missed a session (without a reasonable explanation or notification)
  • Refusal to pay the assessed fee
  • Being abusive or threatening towards agency staff, students, volunteers, participants or PAR program participants

What Topics are Covered in the PARS Program?

There are nine mandatory topics that are covered, including:

  1. Intimate Partner Violence – Defining Abuse
  2. How Beliefs and Attitudes Affect Behaviour
  3. The Effects of Abuse on Children, Partners and Self
  4. Understanding Triggers / Warning Signs
  5. The Impact of Substance Abuse
  6. Healthy Relationships
  7. Respectful Communication
  8. Dealing with Conflict
  9. Responsibility and Accountability

General Inquiries

Participants, survivors/victims, and community members may contact us with questions about the program or available supports at PARprogram@vsv-sdga.ca.