The Organization Paix (Programme d’aide et d’intervention) located in Ste. Agathe serves the Laurentian community to help those responsible for conjugal or familial violence. Its mission is to help those who suffer from an inability to control their anger and violence. At Paix, participants will learn to take responsibility for their actions and get the necessary tools to correct their behaviour in the future.

Although most people responsible for violence towards a spouse or family are men, Paix helps women and teenagers in need of anger management skills as well. The organization offers group therapy and provides services in English, too.

Brigitte Mathieu, Director at Paix, explained the different types of control and abuse seen in these situations and showed how the severity often escalates if no action is taken to stop such behaviours. Tension often builds up, resulting in an explosion of anger, followed by a period of justification and culminating with remorse and apologies. This is the period where couples often decide to ‘give it another try.’ It’s also the point where an organization like Paix would step in.

According to Paix, there are five different types of abuse. Frequently, there is an escalation from one to the next. The abuse and control often begin quite subtly. Psychological abuse would be devaluing or humiliating someone - often making negative comments about weight or appearance. Next would be controlling finances and arguing about overspending. Often the victim is financially dependent on the aggressor. Verbal abuse follows. This consists of name calling, sarcasm, insults, yelling, and threats. Sexual abuse is often the next step. It is important to recognize that even within a marriage, rape and sexual aggression are crimes. Finally, physical abuse, which is the most recognized type of abuse and receives the most attention. This consists of hitting or punching, pushing, burning, and biting. The injuries sustained are often described as accidental.

It is important to note that Paix does not intervene because of one act of anger or violence. It is truly a pattern of behaviour that needs to be recognized and corrected. Although a third party can make the initial call for help to Paix, the organization insists on speaking directly with the aggressor who in turn must ask for help.

There are many organizations that help those victimized by this type of aggression, but in order to truly stop the cycle, the perpetrators of the violence must receive the help that they so desperately need. The cycle is clear. The effect of growing up in a home where violence is present profoundly affects children. Many of the clients Paix serves grew up in the same type of environment they have now created in their own lives. Children who experience this type of environment often suffer from fear, anxiety, and depression. They can experience difficulties in school and have developmental delays. There is also an increase in the level of violence, bullying, and delinquency among these kids.

If you or someone you know can benefit from learning anger management skills, call Paix at
1-800-267-3919 during business hours; from 9;00 a.m. to 7;00 p.m., 7 days a week or
visit their website at; www.organismepaix.ca Confidentiality is guaranteed.


About the Author
Laura Young is a graduate of Concordia University’s Applied Human Science department. She’s worked as a nanny, a daycare provider, and an elementary school teacher. She’s also worked intensively with children with disabilities.

Laura has three children and is the author of the parenting book, The Most Important Job in the

World. Laura is a long time member of the board of directors of 4Korners Family Resource Center. She is helping to provide programs for children and parents in the Laurentian community.