Chesterfield Jail DV Graduation

The program focuses on preventing future violence and helping participants build healthy relationships, both now and in the future. TJ, REAL LIFE Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator, says, “One of the big goals is to interrupt cycles of abuse and instill personal accountability. The program teaches participants to recognize tactics of power and control, manage their emotions, and replace abusive dynamics with healthy communication and mutual respect.”

One unique benefit of participating while incarcerated is that participants are removed from many of the pressures and conflicts of daily life, including those within their relationships. This distance gives them an opportunity to reflect on how they have interacted with others and consider the changes they want to make moving forward.

Another powerful aspect of the program is its combination of large- and small-group discussions, which encourage participants to be more interactive and reflective than they might be in a traditional lecture. TJ explains, “The dynamic of the class acts as a strong mirror, allowing participants to challenge each other’s minimizations and deflections more effectively than a facilitator can alone.”

One recent participant shared how the class and curriculum impacted him: “I learned how the anger in my life doesn’t have to control me. I know how to think before I react when I’m angry. In these sessions, I learned to love myself more, as well as others, and how to respect myself enough not to put myself in bad situations.”

Congratulations to our recent graduates! We wish each participant the very best as they continue applying what they’ve learned and working toward healthier relationships.