Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA

Program Name:: Men's Family Violence Program
Organization/Community:: Men's Family Violence Program
Location:: Ohsweken, Ontario
Website:: www.ganohkwasra.ca
Goals and Objectives:: To provide, through a non-profit charitable organization, for the stabilization, maintenance, revitalization and enhancement of the family structure in a culturally sensitive manner.
Target Group Description:: Men (Victims of violence and offenders).
Program Description:: Clients are treated in both group and individual sessions that seek to combine mainstream counselling techniques with Ogweho:weh teachings. Through these sessions, men learn about the effects of violence on children, boundaries, what constitutes abuse, healthy relationships, building resources, how to stay safe, the impacts of drug and alcohol and its impact on family violence, coping skills and more. Counselling is offered in two levels, Level 1 is psycho-educational (12 weeks), and Level 2 is intensive (inner-child). Traditional Haudenosaunee teachings are central to all counselling.
Program Successes/Impact:: Men living more peaceful and violence free lives once they complete the program.
Key Lessons/Challenges:: Long waiting lists for clients to access program. Overcoming male stereotypes that make it difficult for men to seek help.
Program in operation since:: 1990.
Program:: Ongoing.