The Violence Integrative Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model’s effectiveness is achieved by:
Providing a new framework — The PAR Model replaces other frameworks for describing, preventing and responding to violence. For example, there is a religious framework. In some forms of this framework, violence is seen as evil, those committing acts of violence as evil-doers, and those who have violence done to them as victims or martyrs. Violence may be believed to come from the devil or devils or unseen and frightening forces. The response to violence under this framework can be punishment, injury, or death. Examples are torture of those who commit acts of violence as well as hanging and beheading.
Another example is the legal/moral framework. Under this framework, violence is seen as a moral failing (or failing of character) and a crime. The legal/moral world is divided into criminals, victims and the criminal-justice system that is responsible for both providing protection from criminals and apprehending them when they commit crimes.
Result ► — Frameworks — which are often based upon conjecture, speculation, ignorance, scapegoating, revenge, punishment and fear — are replaced with a framework based upon hard evidence, positive outcomes, effective prevention, understanding, wisdom, experience, compassion, full accountability and restoration of all stakeholders.
Describing violence in a new way — Violence is described as a “thought-borne pathogen” (the "Severe Malevolent Thought Virus," or SMTV) arising from a condition called Experienced Power Deprivation (EPD). This pathogen has specific characteristics which are identifiable and predictable.
Result ► — Policies, resources, interventions and other assets are more effectively applied, resulting in immediate, tangible, measurable reductions. This approach avoids the problems of the "drama triangle" in which there are victims, persecutors and rescuers — that is, heroes and villains. Scapegoating, demonization, shaming and other unhealthy practices are avoided.
Applying a disciplined nonpolitical, nonreligious public health approach — The Model has a public health base which is nonpolitical and nonreligious and is therefore applicable to all people in all cultural settings. It is evidence based and requires rigorous validation of results.
Result ► — Applications of the model are evidence-based and can be applied in a broad range of settings. Risk factors for violence are known and can be countered. The model enhances predictability, thus providing an important prevention tool.
Integrating multiple disciplines — The PAR Model integrates a broad range of diverse disciplines including social theory, neuroscience, the public health approach, developmental theory, psychology and physiology.
Result ► — Those affected by violence, as well as professionals working in the field, can integrate an understanding of power issues, brain dynamics and a person's ability to restructure their experience of reality so that violence is replaced with healthy expressions of power.
Being evidence-based — The effectiveness of the PAR Model is continually evaluated using a variety of research instruments. Indicators of morbidity and mortality, emergency room admissions, number of crimes committed, rates of incarceration, reported incidents of child and other family abuse, suicide rates and a myriad of other indicators provide a rich environment for validating and refining the Model.
Result ► — The evidence-based approach produces tangible, measurable results that replace conjecture, speculation and superstition with reliable benchmarks that tell where the Model is optimally functioning and where improvements or revisions are required. In short, we know specifically how the Model is performing and whether or not it is producing a sufficient emotional, intellectual and financial return on investment.
Separating people from their behaviors — Since the PAR Model describes violence as a disease, there is an immediate and complete boundary between a human being and the manifestation of violence.
Result ► — This separation causes a shift away from the drama triangle, blame, rancor, scapegoating, hatred, fear and vindictiveness — characteristics that can severely aggravate the violence process — to a professional, compassionate and confident approach for effectively dealing with violence. With the separation of people from their behaviors, those committing acts of violence move from villains to stakeholders. When they are free of the stigma of "evil," they drop their defensiveness and begin to work with others to get free of the ravages of violence.
Replacing unhealthy power and expanding healthy power —A central focus of the PAR Model swapping the unhealthy use of power (such as violence) with healthy forms of power. This is followed by a sustained program of power infusion.
Result ► — In many traditional frameworks, those who commit violent acts face extreme loss of power. Since violence is a strategy to get power and control which arises from an experience of loss of power, traditional power depravation approaches aggravate the deprivation, often driving more violence. By replacing unhealthy power (violence, intimidation, bigotry, etc.) with healthy power (knowledge, belonging, inclusion, accountability, etc.), the need for violence diminishes. A sustained process of infusing healthy power aids the process of replacing unhealthy neural patterns with stronger and more entrenched healthy patterns.
Providing essential skills — The PAR Model provides practical, useful skills for recognizing high-risk environments and situations, as well as for developing a strong violence immune system.
Result ► — The self-management, self-reorganization, and violence immune system-building skills allow people to recognize, prepare for and handle fear, powerlessness and provocations which might otherwise lead to violence. They move from a "violent" to a "nonviolent" life orientation.
Shifting to the inclusion of all stakeholders — All stakeholders (including those committing violent acts) are included in the process.
Result ► — The disease of violence is separated from those carrying or infected by it. Collaboration, accountability and a focus on results are more readily accepted and attained.
Incorporating neuroscience — The continuing evolution of brain research enhances the understanding of the brain processes that impact violent behavior.
Result ► — Brain research assists in making the practical application of the PAR Model more effective and provides an important tool for evaluating the effectiveness of the Model.
