Domestic Violence and Anger Management

It became obvious to 2^nd Chance while counseling for drug and alcohol addictions the number of anger and sometimes violence in peoples lives that are directly associated with substance abuse. There is an ever increasing awareness of violence happening in the domestic environment, in homes of dysfunctional families. If anger and violence goes untreated it may cause a relapse with one’s addiction. Hence, the relapse may cause more anger and violence. Without both areas being treated it will turn into a vicious cycle.

Some of the classes we are launching at 2^nd Chance to help overcome these problems are:

• Parenting the right way – learning the difference of discipline versus punishment.

• Anger Management – learn to respond rather than to react. It takes intelligence to think and respond. It takes no intelligence to react.

• Domestic Violence – learn character development and personal responsibility, family preservation and reunification. Learn the difference of discipline versus punishment.

2^nd Chance successfully launched a new class for women called Boundaries. Anne Fleming, Co-Director teaches the class with assistant, Tina Malone at 2^nd Chance. Healthy boundaries teach women to have serenity and freedom in their lives. Boundaries

help women in abusive situations to:

• take back control of their life
• know when to say no and when to say yes
• set boundaries without guilt
• set limits and still be a loving person

Many women are abused without being aware of it when they remain in verbally abusive relationships and environments. Since there are no bruises, broken bones or outward physical signs women are not only reluctant to seek help, thinking no one will believe they are abused. After all, they lives their daily lives being told what they do and say is not the right way. Verbal abuse causes a woman to be indecisive and loose complete control of her life. Having grown up in dysfunctional families and not being taught healthy boundaries leads to being a dysfunctional adult not knowing when to or how to say no to the people we love free of guilt.

The result of hostility in a family is difficult to see because the women quickly learn how to hide under a compliant smile. Children who are not taught boundaries when they grow up suffer depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts and substance abuse problems. For the first time in their lives, many boundary-injured individuals realize they have a problem. Some grow up as compliant individuals, not knowing how to say no, others become controlling people like their hostile parents, not knowing how to accept no.

Roberts Park Methodist Church

401 N. Delaware, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Telephone: 317-955-7957

Fax: 317-635-8654

Email:

2ndchance401@sbcglobal.net