Abuser Education

We offer group counseling for anyone who has been verbally, emotionally, or physically abusive and controlling to a romantic partner or ex-partner. 

Request an appointment by calling us at (757) 255-8099 or by completing the request form.

Request an appointment

Our Abuser Education Program teaches individuals to accept full responsibility for their behavior, understand that abusive behavior is a choice, and that individuals can choose different behaviors no matter how they feel, learn new ways of communicating with their partner, ex-partner and children, respect the opinions and wishes of all family members and ex-partners and identify triggers for abusive behavior and use those to act differently in the future.

An intake assessment is initially completed to determine eligibility. Group counseling occurs once a week for an hour and a half. The program is a minimum of 18 weeks and is conducted in an educational format and then shifts to helping the clients putting into practice what they learned. Group curriculum varies depending on the group needs and composition. 

Group topics include:

• What counts as violence?
• Effects of abuse on partners
• Emotional, Economic and Sexual abuse
• Abusive versus respectful communication
• Accountability
• Benefits of stopping the abuse
• Ending relationships respectfully
• Self-care

Individuals in our Abuser Education Program come from a variety of occupations, incomes, ethnic and racial backgrounds.

Individuals may participate in this program if:

• They report being physically violent
• They report being emotionally or verbally abusive and controlling
• They are 18 years or older
• They are court mandated or seeking services voluntarily
• Their partners and ex-partners do not participate in groups