Alternatives to Violence

A transformative learning and education program to strengthen personal relationships

Alternatives to Violence (ATV) s a 26-week, Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)-approved Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP) that helps men recognize, understand, and change abusive behaviors. Through structured group education, accountability, and skill-building, and case management support, participants develop healthier ways to manage conflict, regulate emotions, and build safter relationships.

Serving men ages 18 and older from the Chicago-land area, ATV seeks to interrupt cycles of abuse by increasing awareness of the impact of harmful behaviors, promoting accountability, and support long-term behavior change.

Community Need:

Domestic violence remains a significant public health and safety concern affecting individuals, families, and communities. While survivor services are essential, preventing future violence also requires interventions for individuals who have caused harm.

Many people who use abusive behaviors face barriers that contribute to instability, including housing insecurity, financial stress, unemployment, transportation challenges, and limited access to supportive services. At the same time, there are limited community-based programs that provide structured, accountability-focused intervention designed to address abusive behavior and support sustainable change.

ATV helps fill this gap by combining behavior change education with supportive services that promote stability, accountability, and violence prevention. By helping participants develop healthier behaviors while addressing barriers that may contribute to stress and instability, the program supports safer relationships, stronger families, and healthier communities.

Who ‘Alternatives to Violence’ Serves:

ATV serves men ages 18 and older from the Chicago-land area who have engaged in verbal, emotional, or physical abuse in intimate relationships.

Participants may be court-mandated, self-referred, or referred by community partners and agencies. The program is designed for individuals who are willing to engage in a structured process of self-reflection, accountability, and behavior change.

Program Services, Approach, and Outcomes

ATV utilizes a 26-week curriculum approved by IDHS and is delivered through weekly group sessions facilitated by trained staff. Participants explore topics including the dynamics of abuse, power and control, accountability, emotional regulation, communication, healthy relationships, and nonviolence conflict resolution.

The program combines education, reflection, and skill-building to help participants identify abusive behaviors, understand their impact, and practice healthier alternatives. Facilitators create a structured environment that balances accountability with support while modeling respect, boundaries, and healthy communication.

Contact Us

We accept self- and court-referrals and are approved by the Illinois Department of Human Services for the provision of court-mandated services.

For more information contact Hannah Gunter, Senior Manager of Prevention Services, at prevention@ywca-ens.orgor call 224-420-3304.

  • The program helps participants:

    • Manage anger, sadness, and other emotions

    • Build empathy and listening skills

    • Strengthen relationships with partners and family members

    • Explore and heal from childhood experiences and past traumatic events

    • Receive support from those in similar situations

    • Learn calming techniques for stress relief and control

    The ATV Team can coordinate with our network affiliates on the following:

    • alcohol and substance use assessment and treatment

    • mental health evaluations and treatment classes

    • parenting classes

    • anger management classes

  • Curriculum content addresses issues of:

    • Accountability

    • Power and control

    • Healthy relationship dynamics

    • Cycle of abuse

    • Conflict resolution

    • Living in a culture of violence

  • 1.) Call 224-420-3304 and leave a message on our dedicated voicemail.

    2.) Meet with group facilitator for participant evaluation

    3.) Upon acceptance, attend group sessions

    4.) Fees are $100 for the initial evaluation, plus $25 per class. Sliding scale available.

    Classes are held in South Evanston, within walking distance of the Metra and CTA trains and buses.

    For more information, call 224-420-3304.

    Want to learn more? Contact:

    Hannah Gunter, Senior Manager of Prevention Services

    Prevention@ywca-ens.org

    (224) 420-3304