What is Circles of Peace?
The Circles of Peace program is an evidence-based approach to domestic assault cases rooted in restorative principles. Individuals who have caused harm within their intimate relationships are brought into a circle with a professional facilitator and community volunteers. The intention of these circles is to monitor safety, encourage dialogue, explore gender dynamics, and uncover the underlying history of violence, with the goal of bringing about healing and transformation in individuals, families, and communities. This program was developed in partnership with WISE and the Vermont Domestic Violence Council with the intention of centering the safety and security of survivors while addressing the harm caused and preventing future harm.
This program has been accredited by the VT Council on Domestic Violence as a Domestic Violence Accountability Program.
When & How
Circles of Peace are held on Tuesday mornings. Participants and volunteers are welcome to join in-person or over zoom.
Volunteer Roles
Community volunteers help guide the participant through the process of taking ownership, exploring the dynamics of power and control, and understanding how to prevent this behavior in future scenarios. Training is provided by the CJC. The full COP program involves participating in 11 circles over 11 months. We encourage volunteers to commit to participating in the full program.
For more information reach out to Martha McLafferty