There are many reasons people cause harm in their intimate relationships. Early learned behaviors, past traumatic experiences, life stressors, and strict gender roles rooted in inequality can create conditions for unhealthy patterns. Left unexamined, these behaviors can escalate into ongoing harm toward an intimate partner.
Rising Ground’s Respect & Responsibility program is a voluntary community program for people who have caused or are at risk of causing harm in their intimate relationships. Participants come to the program ready to take responsibility, seek guidance, and learn healthier ways of relating.
Using a holistic approach, Respect & Responsibility helps participants reflect on and take ownership of harmful behaviors, while examining the personal and social factors that sustain them. Each person receives one-on-one therapeutic support and case management to address the social service needs necessary for lasting change.
Accountability is a deeply personal and transformative process. Our work with people who cause harm requires a caring and nonjudgmental space where harmful beliefs can be challenged and healthier alternatives can take root. This work always centers survivors and their families, holding their painful experiences as the orienting energy for increasing safety for all.
“This program helped me map out my feelings more. Before I started this program, I felt like I was going to explode at any moment.”
– Program Participant
