Since 1997, Abrigo has been one of approximately 10 social service agencies in Toronto to provide the Partner Assault Response (PAR) program to its clients. This is a court ordered initiative funded by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General that delivers specialized community-based group education/counselling to individuals facing or convicted of a criminal offence involving domestic violence or abuse.

The PAR program provides group participants with an opportunity to examine their beliefs and attitudes towards gender-based violence and learn new, non-abusive ways of resolving conflict.

Abrigo’s specially trained counsellors lead groups throughout the year in both English and Portuguese and both virtually and in person. PAR funding also provides for victims/partners safety planning, support and referrals to community resources, and information about the offenders’ progress throughout the duration of the program.

Once the intake process is completed, participants then attend a PAR Orientation session. During the PAR Orientation, the counsellor will explain in detail all aspects of the program including the program principles. They will also discuss the PAR Client Agreement and the Client Fee Agreement. All clients must agree to the terms of both the PAR Client Agreement and the Client Fee Agreement before being accepted into the program. Clients may choose to apply for a fee reduction. Adjustments are made on a sliding scale for those who qualify.

Each program session is two hours in length, once a week, and runs for 12 consecutive weeks. Language Interpreters are provided for clients who need them at no cost to the participant.