The PEACE Program is for Children and Youth between the ages of 3-18 who have experienced violence.

• The program offers a safe and supportive space for participants to explore their responses and express themselves in relation to their experiences.

• The PEACE Counselor uses expressive arts and play therapy, and psycho-education to support participants.

• Free

• Confidential

• For children and youth aged 3 to 18 years who have experienced domestic violence

These approaches encourage participants to identify and express emotions safely through metaphors, works of art, drama, games, stories, nature art and connection.

Through the above, together with other imaginative forms, participants learn to metabolize their experiences and build the inner resources they need to cope with the challenges of their lives. 

Therapy Does Not ‘Fix’ You Because You Are Not Broken

Domestic abuse falls into a common pattern or cycle of violence:

Abuse – Your abusive partner lashes out with aggressive, belittling, or violent behavior. This treatment is a power play designed to show you “who is boss.”

Guilt – Your partner feels guilt after abusing you, but not because of their actions. They’re more worried about the possibility of being caught and facing consequences for their abusive behavior.

Excuses – Your abuser rationalizes what they have done. The person may come up with a string of excuses or blame you for provoking them—anything to avoid taking responsibility.

“Normal” behavior – Your partner does everything in their power to regain control and ensure that you’ll stay in the relationship. A perpetrator may act as if nothing has happened, or they might “turn on the charm.” This peaceful honeymoon phase may give you hope that the abuser has really changed this time.

Fantasy and planning – Your abuser begins to fantasize about repeating the abuse. They spend a lot of time thinking about what you’ve done wrong and how they’ll make you pay for it. Then they form a plan for turning the fantasy of abuse into reality.

Set-up – Your abuser sets you up and puts their plan in motion, creating a situation where they can justify abusing you.

Your abuser’s apologies and loving gestures in between the episodes of abuse can make it difficult to leave. They may cause you to believe that you are the only person who can help them, that they will change their behavior, and that they truly love you. However, the dangers of staying are very real.