PEACE Program for Children and Youth Experiencing Violence (formerly CWWA)
Is your child or youth affected by violence or abuse against a parent or caregiver? We can help.
Fraserside's PEACE (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment) Program provides free group and individual counselling to children who have been affected by witnessing the abuse of their parents or caregivers.
PEACE counsellors have a graduate degree (Masters level or higher) or undergraduate degree with extensive experience as abuse clinicians. We seek to inform, empower and educate while holding paramount the emotional and physical safety of the client.
How We Help
PEACE counsellors help children and youth with the following:
- Identify and express all the feelings they have experienced in relation to the violence they have witnessed
- Understand that they are not responsible for the violence they have witnessed
- Learn healthy expressions of emotion (e.g. anger management, dealing with anxiety)
- Learn skills for safety and non-violent conflict resolution
- Embrace open communication with non‑abusive adults, engage in healthy relationships with parents, and possess self-confidence and self-efficacy
- Acknowledge separation and loss, and explore related issues such as gender stereotypes and violence in the media
Our Services
PEACE counsellors provide:
- Individual counselling to children and youth
- Opportunities for group counselling
- Outreach including the above and presentations at local schools
- Education and consultation to parents, caregivers and related professionals
Counselling services are offered on a weekly and bi-weekly basis. There is no fee for counselling services.
Children and youth can be referred to the PEACE program by making a free intake appointment via phone or visiting our office.
Who We Serve
Fraserside's PEACE program is for children and youth aged four to 18 years who have been exposed to violence or abuse against a parent or caregiver. To participate in the program, children and youth must:
- Be in a place of physical and emotional safety (the family is not in crisis)
- Be willing and able to participate in the counselling process
- Receive support from a parent or caregiver through the counselling process
Children and youth can be referred to the PEACE program by a family member or friend, a representative from a school, community group or social service organization, or a health or legal professional.
Contact Us
Location: 2nd Floor - 519 Seventh Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 6A7
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (except statutory holidays)
Phone: 604-522-3722, Ext. 118
Email: mstevens@fraserside.bc.ca
PEACE (CWWA) Camping Program
Children who have participated with Fraserside's PEACE program are eligible for opportunities to engage in fun, social activities where they practice their interpersonal skills. In the camping program, Fraserside’s PEACE counsellors lead outings with the children and encourage the children’s social and personal success in an informal setting.