PATHWAYS (Personal Accountability Toward Healthy WAYS ) is a group education program for men who are physically and/or psychologically abusive in their intimate relationships.  Through an emphasis on personal responsibility, participants examine their use of abusive behaviors and the beliefs which underlie them.  Men in the group are given the opportunity to learn and to practice new interpersonal skills for developing more equitable and respectful relations.

Any man can join the program.  Following an Orientation Session, individuals are scheduled for an Assessment Interview to determine if the program is appropriate for their needs.

Although some men may be referred by the courts, other legal representatives, family and friends or by other counseling professionals, the initial call to register MUST be made by the interested individual himself. 

While a flat fee is charged for the initial Orientation Session, a sliding scale fee based on the individual’s ability to pay is charged for the Assessment Interview and Group Sessions.  The groups, which meet weekly for 1 ½ hours in the evening, are on-going and open to new members.  PATHWAYS Groups are currently offered in Niagara Falls , North Tonawanda and Lockport .

The 27-week curriculum, which focuses on ending abuse within relationships, includes the following topics:

• Communication Skills
• Anger Management
• Partnership
• Trust and Support
• Alternatives to Violence
• Respect
• Parenting Issues