Family Violence Prevention Program

The Family Violence Prevention Program consists of two core components: an 8-week parent-child dyadic art therapy group and case management support provided by a Family Peer Advocate to assist parents and caregivers with concrete needs and service navigation. The dyadic art therapy group serves children ages 6–11 and their caregivers who have been impacted by family violence. The group uses a trauma-informed approach to address trauma, strengthen the caregiver–child relationship, and promote family stability. Based in Brooklyn, the program delivers structured, trauma-informed group interventions that foster healing and connection. A key element of the program is the pairing of each family with a Family Peer Advocate who brings lived experience navigating family systems and challenges similar to those faced by participating families. Family Peer Advocates are integral to the program, as their firsthand experience helps build trust, reduce stigma, and provide culturally responsive support. They conduct home visits, assist with case management and concrete needs, connect families to resources, and help them navigate complex service systems while reinforcing progress made in the therapeutic groups. To enhance accessibility and engagement, provides additional supports, such as transportation assistance and childcare for younger children, to reduce barriers to participation. Program outcomes are measured through pre- and post-group surveys, which have shown improvements in children’s emotional regulation, reductions in caregiver stress, and stronger caregiver–child relationships.