Informations sur le programme en français

The Partner Assault Response (PAR) program is a Domestic Violence Court initiative that delivers a specialized community-based group education/counselling program to offenders who have been mandated by the court to attend the PAR program in response to a criminal charge involving domestic violence.  

At Family Service Toronto (FST), we call this program the Next Steps program. 

This program, funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Ontario Victim Services, is a court-ordered sanction that provides offenders with an opportunity to:

• examine their beliefs and attitudes towards domestic abuse
• learn non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

What are the objectives of the Partner Assault Response (PAR) program?

The primary objectives of the PAR program are to:

• increase an offender’s understanding of domestic violence and abuse
• increase an offender’s understanding of non-violent strategies and skills to engage in healthy relationships
• reduce an offender’s likelihood of reoffending by increasing an offender’s self-awareness of personal triggers/warning signs that contribute to violent behaviour
• assist victims/partners by reducing their isolation and providing information that will help them to make informed decisions about their safety and their relationship with the offender

How do PAR programs meet these objectives?

Work in the program is oriented to providing:

• education/counselling to clients regarding the dynamics and impact of domestic violence.
• clients with appropriate non-violent strategies and opportunity to practice skills to resolve conflict and develop healthy relationships.
• referrals to other community support services, as required.
• victims/partners with safety planning, support and referrals to community resources and information about the PAR client’s progress throughout the duration of the program.

When are groups offered and to whom?

We currently offer five English and one Tamil open-ended groups. Open-ended groups can be joined at any time as long as the participant attends 12 weeks from the moment of registration. 

We currently operate six English language groups online on Tuesday and Thursday nights, from 6:30-8:30 and three groups on Saturday mornings, two from 10-12 and one from 12:00-2:00 p.m.

One English language group is offered on site at our downtown Toronto location on Wednesday mornings from 10:00-12:00.

Tamil language groups are offered two to three times a year, on line, on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

A group for male-identified members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community is offered on Mondays from 4:00-6:00. This group runs two to three times a year.

All of our groups are closed groups, meaning that all participants start and end at the same time. 

We stagger the start times of each group, to be able to accommodate referrals on as timely a basis as possible.

We also offer services in French on an individual basis.

How many weeks will I have to attend the Next Steps PAR program?

There is an intake/assessment session and 12 sessions after that.  All participants are required to complete all sessions. 

Do I have to pay a fee for this program?

Yes, you are required to pay for this program based on a sliding scale.  We will ask you about your individual income to determine your fee.   If a request is made to change the fee, we reserve the right to request proof of income or at any other time. 

As a condition of your court order, you must pay the total assessed fee.  You will sign an agreement specific to the program about this and you will also sign a fee contract with Family Service Toronto.

Can I be discharged from the program before completing 12 sessions?

Yes, there are several grounds upon which a person can be discharged from the program.  They include:

• Failure to complete a homework assignment (on more than one occasion without a reasonable explanation)
• Late for group (on more than one occasion without a reasonable explanation) 
• Disruptive in group (on more than one occasion)
• Assaulted or threatened your victim/partner. 
• Attended a session impaired by alcohol or some other drug.
• Missed a session (without a reasonable explanation or notification)
• Refusal to pay the negotiated client fee
• Being abusive or threatening towards agency staff, students, volunteers, clients or PAR program participants

What topics are covered in the Next Steps PAR program?

There are nine mandatory topics that are covered, including:

1. Domestic Violence – Defining Abuse
2. How Beliefs and Attitudes Affect Behaviour
3. The Effects of Abuse on Children, Partners and Self
4. Understanding Triggers / Warning Signs
5. The Impact of Substance Abuse
6. Healthy Relationships
7. Respectful Communication
8. Dealing with Conflict
9. Responsibility and Accountability

What happens when I finish the program?

The group leaders will complete a closing report  which is sent to the Courts or your probation officer.  They will review this report and determine if you have fulfilled the conditions of your court order.