Photo: File photo

A new program has been launched in Vernon to help men S.T.O.P. the violence.

The S.T.O.P. program (Stop Taking it Out on your Partner) is a voluntary program for men who recognize that their use of controlling or violent behaviour is having an impact on their relationships. The program is free and runs over 14 weeks, one evening per week.

The program is being done through the John Howard Society of the North Okanagan/Kootenay in partnership with the Domestic Violence Unit of the Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP

“S.T.O.P. has a 20-year history in northern B.C. of successfully supporting men struggling with anger and controlling behaviour in their intimate relationships,” said Barbara Levesque, society executive director. “The focus is on personal awareness, change and healthy relationships. It’s all about prevention of violence and supporting those who recognize they have a problem.”

The opportunity to bring the program to the North Okanagan is the result of a collaborative effort between the RCMP domestic violence co-ordinator Lisa McMullin and the society.

"The RCMP believes in assisting communities in using problem-solving approaches to domestic violence," said McMullin "We greatly value our relationship with the North Okanagan and Kootenay Region John Howard Society. The grant money we were able to obtain will allow them to fund the 'train the trainers' program and run two pilot projects of Stop Taking it Out on your Partner. This is a valuable program to help break the cycle of domestic violence, and I strongly believe it will have a positive impact on our community."