North Cook News

The YWCA Evanston/North Shore is continuing its men’s support groups as social distancing restrictions are loosened around the nation.

Patch reported Brian McHugh, who leads the Alternative to Violence men’s group, an organization for men who have committed domestic violence, said they haven’t met in person since March. McHugh said he’s ready for the men to have face-to-face gatherings again as the domestic violence reports have increased since the nationwide quarantine started this year. 

"The group dynamic and the ability of these guys to be there for each other is what’s important right now," McHigh said. "We thought about meeting through Zoom, but because of privacy, technological needs and the special thing that happens when they’re together in the same room, we decided it wouldn’t really work.”

The group has been in contact with each other via text and phone calls. 

 “We ask how they’re doing, check in about their homework, which includes reading the book ‘Radical Responsibility’ and watching TED talks by people like Brene Brown and Jackson Katz if they can," McHugh said. "It has helped, but we really need the in-person group because it’s what generates energy and a sense of community.”

The program was launched roughly five years ago. It includes fewer than 10 men and meets weekly for 26 weeks. The participants usually take part under a court mandate, and come from various socioeconomic backgrounds. The men typically learn about how to channel their inner true feelings and how to properly view their partners, beginning with how they speak to them and about them.