The NEW "Violence Integrative Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model — developed by Ari Cowan — is being hailed as a significant breakthrough in human relations.
For PAR Model-based programs and materials, visit: on the web.
The Violence
Integrative Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model is a new, evidence-based, cognitive approach to violence response
and prevention built upon a public health foundation. It is a significant
departure from the traditional “punitive” model
for dealing with violence. The PAR Model incorporates new thinking
about and language for describing violence, provides a new framework
for prevention of and response to violence, and presents an effective
alternative to the commonly-used traditional punitive-based approaches
for dealing with violence.
CLALLAM BAY VIDEO
REPORT
ON CLALLAM BAY
BACKGROUND:
ARI COWAN
To see the video interview with Ari Cowan and
John J. Aldana, Sr. about the PAR Model at the Clallam Bay
Corrections Center, click
here.
PROJECT
UPDATE:
CLALLAM BAY RESULTS
Click
here to view a copy of the Project Update (PDF
file, 170 kb) which summarizes the results of applying the
PAR Model at Washington State's Clallam Bay Corrections Center
(courtesy of Edvita Institute).
Click
here to view information about PAR Model
theorist Ari Cowan and his work.
Programs and Materials
For PAR Model-based programs and materials, visit the Edvita Institute web site. Under an exclusive license from SpiritRidge, Edvita provides a broad range of trainings, middle and high school curricula, assessment programs, and consulting services developed around the PAR Model. To visit the Edvita web site and for more information about their PAR Model programs and materials, click here or on the Edvita artwork to the left.
Two Foundational Elements
The PAR Model is built upon two key approaches, seven key concepts, and a new vocabulary to describe violence and the functions of the PAR Model.
Two elements provide a foundation for the PAR Model :
1. The public
health approach — The PAR Model incorporates the public
health approach which follows four principal steps:
a. Definition of the problem.
b. Identification of risk factors and drivers.
c. Response — prevention and intervention.
d. Evaluation of results and planning for
follow-up.
The PAR Model draws heavily from the medical
model for understanding and responding to trauma, disease, and toxicity
which are characteristic of violence. It incorporates the goal of
creating a strong immune system. This model is intended to render
violence in terms which more effectively aligns with the public health
approach and minimizes or eliminates the social, political, legal,
and moral models which may actually contribute to the perpetuation
of violence.
2. The universal
field, discriminator (also called "the lens"), and the construct — In
their normal state of consciousness, human beings are not
aware of every piece of information coming from the reality they
are in moment to moment. This reality is called the "universal
field." We construct our experience of reality from this field.
By reframing the construct about violence
through a cognitive approach, violence is seen in a new way — one
that differs significantly from the "punitive" way we've seen violence
historically and one in which we can more effectively deal with
and prevent violence.
Site testing of the model suggests that it will be an invaluable
resource in international relations, criminal/justice, education,
public health, mental health, and other settings. The Integrative
Model is successful because it eliminates many of the liabilities
of the punitive model. An example of the effective application of the model in a correctional setting is described in a Project Update (PDF - 170kb, courtesy of Edvita Institute).
These seven components are viewed in a public health context rather
than in a religious or political context. The public health approach
provides a disciplined approach while allowing the model to be applied
universally.
A New Language
Some of the new terms (applied to violence and, most especially, the PAR Model) which are described in detail in the book are:
