ALTERNATIVES TO VIOLENCE PROJECT (AVP)

 
Addressing the Problem

People in poor areas and correctional facilities are exposed to violence both at a psychological and physical level in their families and communities and are often unable to respond in a non-violent and effective way to conflict. AVP gives participants an opportunity to recognise conflict and respond to it on a non-violent and effective way. This involves addressing the level of feelings and giving individuals tools to induce perpetrators of violence to feel empathy with the victim and thus changing relationships between people. AVP calls this process transforming power.

"The transforming power mandala"

Objectives

• To enable participants to recognise violence and its effects and give them tools to transform power
• To institutionalise AVP in correctional facilities
• To develop a team of AVP facilitators in Cape Town

Methods
AVP training is based on participatory workshops facilitated through experiential learning. Exercises draw on participants' previous experiences, and disclosure of personal stories is voluntary.

The workshops
AVP workshops are offered as Basic, Advanced and Facilitator levels. Each builds on the other.

Target Groups
Residents of Delft, interested individuals and inmates of correctional facilities.
 
 

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