Programs & Services > Next Steps > Testimonials
Challenge.Learn.Change
Testimonials
What our clients say at the end of the programme?
The following are some of the statements made by Next Steps participants at the end of their 16-week program:
"The program helped me realize that when I am angry
I can make responsible choices, other than using violence and controlling
behaviours."
"Now, I realize how my behaviours emotionally
affected my wife and child. She was scared of me."
"The program allowed me to acquire the tools and
skills that will help stay in a relationship without being abusive."
"The program helped me realize that it is not
the situation of the moment that causes my partner to react certain
way, but the history of my abuse against her."
"Now I am considerate with my wife and help around
the house whenever it is needed."
"If you only listen to what they say [referring
to having two female facilitators], you'll get it. I started to
see what [a woman's] world is like."
"I was the angriest person when I came here. I am
so much calmer now."
"It's such a surprise. I still have my problems
but they are so much easier to deal with when I'm not angry all
the time."
"As a major improvement of my behaviour I can mention
the fact that now I recognize the mistakes I make and I apologize
to my wife for them."
"As a result of attending this program I learned
to treat my wife as an equal; paying attention, listening to her
and including her in the decision making concerning domestic affairs."
"What I did to my wife was wrong. I am glad that
the court held me accountable for my behaviour and sent me to this
program."
"Now I am using negotiation skills when I want
something rather than imposing my will on her."
"When I came to the program I was angry and thinking
that I did not need to be here, that it was a waste of my time.
Now I regard these meetings as priceless; a good experience. I realize
that there is a difference between the way I learned to treat women
back home and the way women are treated in Canada. I learned that
I have to regard my wife as an equal human being and that I have
to treat her with respect. The program helped me also learn to keep
my anger in check."
"I am responsible for my choices no matter the
way my partner behaves."
"I learned to express my feelings in a non-violent
and non-threatening way. Both my wife and my child were terrified
by me."
What our clients' partners say:
"The communication between us has improved. He
is taking care of the kids and I have no concern for my safety."
"You actually made a big difference in his life
and in our life. I mean a REALLY big difference, that REALLY mattered
and was REALLY good for him "
"Things are really, really well. He has really
changed and is taking responsibility for his actions."
"I found the program to be beneficial for him. He
is taking responsibility for his actions and is mindful of his words
when he is speaking. I have no concerns for my safety."
"I have noticed a big change in my partner's
behaviour. He is listening, communicating more and controlling his
temper. Things are going really well between us."
"He has changed his behaviour. He is treating me
with respect; he is not controlling me anymore, and his anger has
reduced quite a lot."
"He is changing a lot. I have noticed a big difference
since he started the PAR program. He is helping around the house
and showing interest in me."
"My partner is more in control of himself and thinking
before speaking. Things are really improved."
Read a speech prepared by one of our clients for his last PAR group meeting
To arrange for counselling, please call our Service Access Unit, Tel: 416.595.9618
