EMERGE: A domestic violence/parenting program for men

During our abuser education groups, we examine the harmful behavior abusers have chosen throughout their relationships in order to improve their relationships with others.

The term 'batterer' often has very negative connotations and is typically defined as someone who repeatedly physically abuses their partner. In fact, many people who have come to Emerge report that they have not been physically abusive, but have been quite emotionally, verbally or psychologically abusive. Despite the fact that these forms of abuse are not physical in nature, we challenge group members to recognize that they are still harmful and in fact can destroy relationships.

People coming to Emerge are asked to recognize how they have chosen such behavior as a pattern in their relationships and families and how those choices have harmed others.

Emerge offers also offers a second component: Caring Dads is a fatherhood parenting group which is designed to help improve parenting skills while also learning healthy relationship patterns.