The mission of the Men's Resource Center for Change is to support men, challenge men's violence, and develop men's leadership in ending oppression in our lives, our families, and our communities.
First Time Visitor? Click here.
Moving Forward's
Domestic Violence Program
What is the Domestic Violence Program?
Moving Forward's domestic violence program (formerly MOVE) is a state-certified program. Since 1989, we have been running groups for people who are abusive and controlling in their intimate relationships. We work with people who have used physical, emotional, verbal, economic, or sexual abuse as a means to control their partners. During program, clients are challenged to take full responsibility for their behavior. They are taught to recognize potentially violent situations and how to choose specific alternatives to abusiveness.
Our approach is one of "compassionate confrontation." We believe that abusive behavior is not a problem in the relationship but a problem in the abuser. Therefore, our first goal for clients in the domestic violence program is for them to stop the violence and take full responsibility for their abusive behaviors. Our perspective on domestic abuse is that it is more than an "anger problem"--it is rooted in a fundamental imbalance of power and control in a relationship.
The domestic violence program offers more than our basic groups. We offer extensive support and information to people whose partners are enrolled in the program. The Partners' Program is completely voluntary and free of charge. And to support the ongoing work of ending abusive and controlling behaviors, we offer follow-up groups for people who have completed the basic program. The domestic violence program works with anyone who is or was the primary abuser in a relationship involving domestic violence.
What Happens in a Domestic Violence Group?
Each domestic violence group is facilitated by a certified counselor and has no more than 12 participants. Meetings focus on learning to:
- identify abusive behaviors and the warning signs that lead up to them
- practice strategies for choosing alternatives to violence and abuse
- recognize the effects of violence on family members
- develop respect for their partners and children
- think about how socialization contributes to their need to abuse and control others.
We offer take-home exercises and teach skills designed to help participants be aware of and transform their abusive behaviors.
Schedule, Locations, and FeesWe currently offer domestic violence groups in Amherst, Athol, Greenfield, Springfield, Belchertown, and Pittsfield, as well as at the Hampshire County Jail and House of Correction. Click here for information on the current schedule and fees.
We cannot respond to email requests. Please call any of the numbers below for more information or to schedule an intake interview.
Amherst
Phone: (413) 253-9588
Fax: (413) 253-4801
Athol
Phone: (978) 575-9994
Greenfield
Phone: (413) 773-8181
Springfield
Phone: (413) 734-3438
Pittsfield
Phone: (413) 445-6766
To learn about our Anger Management Classes
(for people who are NOT appropriate for the
domestic violence program) click here.
HAVING TROUBLE CONTROLLING YOUR ANGER? Want to hear from someone who's been there? Group Leader and former client Scott Girard talks to Oprah Winfrey. |
236 North Pleasant St.
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