Moving Forward's Domestic Abuse Program (MOVE)
Is This You? or Someone You Know? If your answer is "yes," please read this page--before it's too late.
What is the Domestic Abuse Program?
Our domestic abuse program, MOVE, has been offering groups for people who are abusive and controlling in their intimate relationships since 1989. MOVE is a state-certified program. We work with people who have used physical, emotional, verbal, economic or sexual abuse as a means to control their partners. During the program, clients are challenged to take full responsibility for their behavior. They are taught how to recognize potentially violent situations and how to choose specific alternatives to abusiveness.
Our approach is one of "compassionate confrontation." We believe that abusive behavior is not a problem in the relationship but a problem in the abuser. Therefore, our first goal for clients in the domestic abuse program is for them to stop the violence and take full responsibility for their abusive behaviors. Our perspective on domestic abuse is that it is more than an "anger problem"--it is rooted in a fundamental imbalance of power and control in a relationship.
The domestic abuse program offers more than our basic groups. We offer extensive support and information to people whose partners are enrolled in the program. The Partners' Program is completely voluntary and free of charge. And to support the ongoing work of ending abusive and controlling behaviors, we offer follow-up groups for people who have completed the basic program. The domestic abuse program works with any man or woman who is or was the primary abuser in a relationship involving domestic abuse.
What Happens in a Domestic Abuse Group?
Each domestic abuse group is facilitated by a certified counselor and has no more than 12 participants. Meetings focus on learning to:
- Identify abusive behaviors and the warning signs that lead up to them
- Practice strategies for choosing alternatives to violence and abuse
- Recognize the effects of violence on family members
- Develop respect for their partners and children
- Think about how socialization contributes to their need to abuse and control others.
We offer take-home exercises and teach skills designed to help participants be aware of and transform their abusive behaviors.
Schedule, Locations, and Fees
We currently offer domestic abuse groups in Amherst, Athol, Greenfield, Springfield, Belchertown, and North Adams. Click here for information on the current schedule and fees.
