Alternatives to Violence (ATV) is a 26-week program providing participants with the skills to change the behavior, beliefs, and attitudes that support their use of violence against intimate partners. The mission of YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s Alternatives to Violence Program is to support individuals seeking to stop their use of domestic violence by providing services that hold them accountable, promote safety and justice for victims and children, and bring about the social change necessary to end abuse and all forms of domestic violence.

Alternatives to Violence is open to all individuals, including those referred by the Courts and those who voluntarily enroll. People who engage in abusive behavior can and do change if they are committed and willing to devote the necessary time and energy to learn and grow. We will not end domestic violence unless we provide a coordinated community response and a comprehensive approach that addresses both the needs of survivors and the root causes of abuse. YWCA Evanston/North Shore believes that through accountability and responsibility, and learning alternatives to violence, the cycle of violence can be broken.

We accept self- and court-referrals and are approved by the Illinois Department of Human Services for the provision of court-mandated services.