Ontario’s Partner Assault Response Program, commonly called the PAR Program, is a specialized domestic violence education and counselling program. It is intended for individuals who have been charged with a criminal offence involving domestic violence and are ordered by the court to participate.
PAR is part of Ontario’s response to intimate partner violence. Community agencies deliver the program through structured group education and counselling sessions. Its goals include increasing accountability, helping participants recognize abusive behaviour, and teaching nonviolent ways to manage disagreements and relationships.
Who Is Referred to a PAR Program?
A person generally enters an Ontario PAR Program through the criminal court system. Participation may be required as a condition connected to bail, probation, a peace bond, or another court order. The program is not simply a general relationship course. It is designed for people involved in domestic violence cases who have been formally referred or directed to attend.
The court and justice professionals involved in the case determine whether PAR is appropriate. Participants are expected to attend the required sessions, engage with the material, and comply with the conditions of their referral.
What Does a Partner Assault Response Program Cover?
Traditional Ontario PAR programming has included 12 group sessions. The curriculum addresses the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviour patterns that can contribute to domestic abuse. It also helps participants understand how violence and controlling behaviour affect partners, children, families, and the broader community.
Common subjects include defining domestic violence, recognizing emotional and psychological abuse, identifying personal triggers and warning signs, understanding the effects of alcohol or drug use, and developing healthier relationship skills. Participants also study respectful communication, nonviolent conflict resolution, accountability, and strategies for preventing future abusive behaviour.
The program’s focus extends beyond physical assault. Domestic abuse may also involve threats, intimidation, coercion, financial control, isolation, sexual abuse, and other behaviours used to gain power over a partner.
Support and Safety for Partners
Ontario’s PAR model also recognizes the importance of victim safety. Program providers may offer a participant’s current or former partner safety planning, information, emotional support, and referrals to community services. The official program therefore combines offender education with measures intended to support people affected by intimate partner violence.
Can an Ontario PAR Program Be Completed Online?
Ontario generally requires participants to attend the PAR program specified by the court. An online course should only be used when the court, probation officer, lawyer, or referring authority gives permission for an alternative online program.
When online participation has been approved, Stop DV Class offers an online Partner Assault Response Program. The course provides flexible, self-paced access to education addressing domestic violence, accountability, abusive behaviour, communication, conflict resolution, and healthier relationships.
Students can complete the program from home and receive documentation after successfully finishing the course. Before enrolling as a substitute for Ontario’s standard PAR Program, students should obtain clear approval from the court or professional responsible for their case.