THE PREVENTION, EDUCATION, ADVOCACY, COUNSELLING AND EMPOWERMENT (PEACE) PROGRAM
formerly CHILDREN WHO WITNESS ABUSE PROGRAM (CWWA)
The P E A C E Program provides individual and group counselling for children and youth experiencing violence in BC. This helps children recognize abusive behaviour, look at alternatives to violence, develop safety plans and break the cycle of abuse. It gives them the tools to deal with their feelings and experiences.
This program is funded by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (MPSSG).
WHY WE NEED P E A C E PROGRAMS
Millions of children are exposed to domestic violence each year. Children who grow up witnessing domestic violence are more likely to become abusers themselves. They are 50 times more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs, and six times more likely to commit suicide than children in the general population. Children who witness abuse have higher rates of criminal behaviour, psychotic disturbances and delayed development.
Our Children’s Workbook
We developed an interactive workbook “THERE’S ONLY ONE ME!” that has lots of activities and open-ended questions to encourage discussion. It was created and printed at our own expense and is provided to P E A C E groups and transition houses free of charge.