Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment (PEACE) for Children & Youth Experiencing Violence
Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment (PEACE) provides education and supportive counselling for children and youth that have been exposed to and/or witnessed domestic violence/abuse.
Domestic violence/abuse is any form of violence/abuse within an intimate relationship, (i.e., sexual; emotional; verbal; financial; psychological; physical; and threats), even after the relationship has ended.
Children and youth are all affected differently. Some factors include their age, duration and frequency of exposure, their safety and the safety of their mothers.
You may notice behavioural or emotional challenges in your child such as: low tolerance for frustration; aggressive words or actions towards others; poor concentration; fear of making mistakes; sleep problems; headaches and stomach aches; withdrawal from peers or activities; poor school attendance or academic performance; difficulty focusing; etc. If your child experiences any of these or other behaviours of concern, he or she could benefit from the PEACE program.
PEACE helps children and youth:
- better understand their feelings and how to express them in a safe and assertive manner
- learn the difference between anger and abusive behaviours
- improve their communication and problem-solving skills
- understand healthy and unhealthy relationships
- recognize safe and unsafe situations; and support them in developing their own safety plans
- strengthen and increase their self-esteem
- adjust to family separation due to intimate partner violence
- that may be witnessing domestic violence after the separation of their parents, or experiencing dating violence
- understand how domestic violence has affected them, and offer a safe place for them to share their feelings and experiences
For children aged 3 to 4 years old, we work predominantly with the parent/caregiver.
Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria is as follows:
- The child/youth resides in Surrey.
- The child/youth is aged 3-18.
- The child/youth has been witness to, or otherwise exposed to intimate partner violence within their family.
- The alleged abusive adult DOES NOT live in the family home.
- The child/youth is not experiencing a mental health crisis, or otherwise require mental health intervention.
- There are no concerns that the child/youth has experienced sexual abuse.
- There are no concerns related to suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviours.
- The child/youth doesn’t need or want therapeutic clinical counselling.
- The guardian can give informed consent for their child in English.
Can you access the program directly?
Professionals can direct their clients to self-refer by calling 604.584.5811 or with permission from the guardian, complete a referral screening on behalf of the client. Screening is required prior to admission. Either email the referral form to peace@options.bc.ca or fax to 604.584.7628.
Please Note: the alleged offender must not be living in the family home.
Other information
Location(s)
Please contact us for information on group locations.
Contact(s)
PEACE Counsellors
Tel: 604.584.5811
Email: peace@options.bc.ca
Tammy Dyer
Deputy Executive Director
PLEASE NOTE:
This is not an emergency contact. If this is an emergency, please call 911 or the Crisis Line (604.951.8855 | 1.877.820.7444)
Funder(s)
This program is operated by Options Community Services with funding provided by the Ministry of Safety and Solicitor General.