The Partner Assault Response (PAR) Program 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 to take responsibility and ownership for their behaviours. 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. The difference is that allegations will not be discussed in a peace bond outcome, whereas it will be for a conditional discharge.  This is private counselling, usually on an individual basis, and is not government-funded.

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 12-session long program gives offenders the opportunity 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 a small group. On account of the current Covid -19 pandemic, it can be completed by telephone or Skype.  For clients who do not need to complete the entire counselling program, single session therapy (SST) is available. The cost is $125 per session and more sessions can be arranged as needed.

Although this program is called Partner Assault Response Services (PARS), the approach taken is more general, 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 affiliated with their case. Please note this requirement for the PARS Program, although this is not applicable 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 the face-to-face, individual counselling; these are normally completed outside of the therapeutic sessions. A report of completion will then be issued to the client. The content and processes of the program are the same as offered at different agencies, but client is treated individually and seen more frequently during the duration of the course.

Contents of the Program

Topic One:

Introduction to PAR, based on Duluth Model for treating domestic violence, as an early intervention program.

The aim of this topic is to help you to understand how completing the program will help you to change from power and control way of behaving to equality in your relationships.

Topic Two:

Using intimidation to Non-Threatening Behavior

Upon completion, you will be able to initiate rational talking and acting so that your partner feels safe and comfortable expressing and doing things.

Topic Three:

Using Emotional Abuse to Respect

Upon completion, you will be able to listen to your partner without judging and be able to value 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 being a positive non-violent role model for your children and your partner.

Topic Seven:

Using Male 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 are part of the couple’s decision.

Topic Eight:

Using Economic Abuse to Economic Partnership

Upon completion, you will be able to make financial decisions together with your partner. You will make sure that both of you benefit from financial arrangements.

Topic Nine:

Using Coercion and Threats to Negotiation and Fairness

Upon completion, you will be able to experience mutually satisfying resolution of conflicts, to 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