IMPACT
Intervention and education program for women who use force.
Safe Haven, the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Center of Shawano County, now offers the IMPACT program which addresses the needs of women who have committed domestic violence and who have a history of victimization.
Program Information
IMPACT is a 16 week education and skill building group program for women who have used violence in context of intimate partner or family relationships.
• Designed for women who are over 18 years of age, who have been arrested for a domestic abuse offense and who are referred by the court, supervising agent, or other referral source.
• Self-referrals are accepted for women who have used violent, controlling and manipulative behavior in the context of personal relationships who desire to learn safer, effective coping methods.
• IMPACT is a closed and structured group. The curriculum is adapted from the Vista created by the Jersey Center for Nonviolence.
• Upon referral, a free screening is conducted to determine appropriateness for the program. Individuals found appropriate are required to complete intake, assessment, and other paperwork prior to starting group. Individuals must make an appointment for these services.
• Individuals who have AODA, mental health counseling, or other recommendations are required to sign a Release of Information to each provider to ensure compliance while participating the IMPACT program.
• Fees are paid before the service is provided.
• Screening
• Assessment (one time fee)
• Group Sessions
• Workbook/Other Materials
•. Individual Support Sessions (4 required)
No Charge
$45.00
$160.00 (Individual $10.00)
$15.00
No Charge
• Participants will be allowed to miss and make up one (1) group meeting during the 16 – week program over. No credit will be given for past participation or payment of past groups.
• Participants who successfully complete the IMPACT program will be offered ongoing support services in the way of Women’s Support Group, Family Dynamics Group, individual support and where needed, and a referral to other community resources.
Curriculum
IMPACT is a closed and structured 90 minute group program that meets once a week for 16 weeks.
Subjects included are as follows:
• Identifying forceful behaviors; goals and consequences.
• Cycle of violence; power and control wheel (physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and social abuse).
• Accountability for thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
• Skill building for alternative to controlling, violent, and manipulative behaviors.
• Safety planning.
• Effects of addictive behaviors on relationships.
• Mental health and wellness.
• Effects of family violence on children, family safety planning, effective parenting strategies.
• Planning for safety and success.
Participants will receive a workbook and journal. Participation in group activities and discussion, completion of journaling assignments, and completion of all assigned work is mandatory for successful completion of the IMPACT program.
The referral source will receive written verification of the participant’s attendance, outcome, date of completion, and recommendations.
**Pre-registration is required for all groups. Please call (715) 526-3421 to schedule an appointment with an advocate or email programsupervisor@shawanoshelter.org. This program is facilitated by Marla Rhoads-Etten, MSW, ICS, CSAC.**