Restorative Approaches to Intimate Violence (RAIV)

Domestic violence (DV) is one of the most pervasive, under-addressed public health crises in the U.S. The dominant response relies on a criminal legal system that survivors often avoid. Current system interventions are not designed for deep healing or prevention.

Restorative Approaches to Intimate Violence (RAIV) offers a new path.

Unlike counseling, crisis interventions, or models that focus on dialogue between parties, RAIV centers individual healing through community-based Circles of Support and Accountability. Core Members (the individuals requesting a Circle) are matched with a small, trained volunteer group that holds space for truth-telling, listening, reflection, and skill-building.

Whether someone has caused harm or been harmed or both, RAIV supports them in reclaiming dignity and agency, building healthier relationships, and disrupting cycles of violence.

One Core Member has gone from "no contact" to becoming a full-time dad with the help of RAIV.

An early pilot participant described RAIV as "the first place I've felt safe enough to speak the truth out loud."

Your financial support helps us:

• Keep our services free of charge for those in need
• Provide safe meeting locations, transportation, and trusted childcare during Circle sessions
• Build capacity and offset costs to train volunteers in the RAIV process and provide ongoing skills-building training
• Develop programs for youth and families
• Conduct outreach and public awareness activities
• Provide translation and accessibility support to serve diverse communities