Alternatives to Violence
As part of our commitment to ending domestic violence, YWCA Kaua`i provides treatment and education services to
perpetrators of violence through the Alternatives to Violence Program. These services are complementary to the
victim-centered approach that is the philosophical core of our mission. Our goal is to provide intervention as early
as possible to stop the cycle of violence within families.
Alternatives to Violence includes group and individual therapy sessions which focus on anger management skills,
understanding power and control dynamics, self-care, empathy and sensitivity to children, and communication and
collaboration skills. The program emphasizes the importance of responsibility and accountability. Participants
document what they learn and rehearse their new behaviors and skills in-group sessions. Participants are expected to:
- Take responsibility for violent/aggressive behavior.
- Model appropriate behavior in-group and with partners.
- Use alternative behaviors (time-outs, tension reducers, anger management, learning triggers, and
non-threatening communication) to resolve issues, and complete a written Violence Diversion Plan.
- Understand their style and use of violence, and the social, cultural and gender issues that led to their pattern of behavior.
- Understand how power and control dynamics operate in their lives and commit to making changes in these areas.
- Express increased empathy for their victim(s) and awareness of the impact of their behavior on others.
A special emphasis is placed on each client with children doing a risk assessment of his/her own behaviors
on their children, and to learn an appreciation for the needs of their children from a developmental perspective.
- Approach their current partner non-violently and in a respectful manner and to develop an array of skills
designed to maintain non-abusive, collaborative relationships.
Women Perpetrators
Women who are referred to the Alternatives to Violence Program are offered education, and individual and
group treatment. Participants are evaluated to determine if they are the primary aggressor, mutual combatant
or a defending victim in the conflict. The treatment group includes women ordered to attend by Family Court,
District Court, Child Welfare Services, and self-referrals. The needs of women perpetrators, due to social,
cultural and gender issues, require treatment separate from male perpetrators.
Teen Perpetrators
Teens who are referred to the Alternatives to Violence Program are offered education, and individual and group treatment. All teen services are designed to be age appropriate.
For more information please call (808) 245-5959 ext. 240
or email
.