News

pink-line

Embracing Change: Theo’s Story

Theo completed the A.C.T. program, a 26-week group program designed for men who have used abuse through JBWS’ Jersey Center for Non-Violence, twenty years ago. He was going through a divorce with his wife and had been court ordered to attend the program. While he didn’t see the benefit to the program at first, slowly Theo began to reflect on his own behavior. He began to acknowledge how he had used power and control against his ex-wife and worked to change his behaviors.

 

After completing the A.C.T. program, Theo noticed that his relationships were healthier. However, this began to change in a more recent relationship. Theo started to recognize that he was falling into similar patterns of verbal abuse and reached out for help.

 

Theo rejoined the A.C.T. program to reinforce the skills he learned twenty years ago and ensure that he keeps his relationship on a healthy course.

 

If you recognize unhealthy behaviors in yourself, then JCNV might be right for you.  Our services are open to men, women, and adolescent males to help them learn alternatives to unhealthy behaviors. Learn more at jbws.org/jcnv  

Other news articles you might be interested in:

A man and a woman sit next to each other and engage in healthy fighting

What is Healthy Fighting? How to Disagree With Respect

By jbws_staff | October 14, 2025

The term healthy fighting might send oxymoronic but that doesn’t mean it’s untrue. It is possible to fight with your partner in a healthy way and to disagree with respect. “In some ways, it is healthy to have disagreements”, says Mary Jane McCarthy, the Professional Training Manager at JBWS, “But what the disagreement looks like […]

Woman holds a pen working on safety plannin

Safety Planning for Domestic Violence

By jbws_staff | September 19, 2025

If you are in an abusive relationship, whether or not you are planning to leave that relationship, it is always a good idea to focus on safety planning for domestic violence. It can help keep you, your children, and loved ones safer. *Please note that every person’s circumstance is different. This safety plan is comprised […]

Two hands are clasped together in a controlling relationship

Is My Partner Controlling Me? How to Recognize Controlling Relationships

By jbws_staff | April 28, 2025

Would you know how to recognize controlling relationships? Have you ever wondered what the line is between communicating needs and exerting control over you? Power and control is at the heart of abusive relationships but it’s not always easy to recognize it. The controlling behavior can be subtle at first and even masked as concern for […]