At Emerge, group sessions are divided into two stages. Each stage has a different format, both of which are described below.
*GROUP MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE VIOLENCE-FREE TOWARD THEIR PARTNERS AND CHILDREN WHILE ATTENDING EMERGE*
If you have additional questions about what happens during group sessions at Emerge, ask your orientation leader or call or e-mail our office. Stage One (8 group sessions) During the first eight group sessions, Emerge provides an educational group model. We have two group leaders who facilitate group discussions and educational material on eight separate topics relating to domestic violence. Group members are expected to participate and consider how this educational information fits into their own relationships.
Also during this stage, group members participate in “short check-ins” every week, describing what went on during their week and taking time to consider and discuss particular arguments or challenging conversations they had in their relationships. The “short check-ins” do not take up as much time during the first stage as they do later in the program, but they are an opportunity for group members to practice being a part of a group and identifying things group members need to work on in their relationships.
On two occasions during the first stage, group members are asked to do a “long check-in.” This “long check-in” consists of a “short check-in” as well as the details of group members’ most recent harmful, abusive or violent behavior toward their partner or family. Group members typically do “long check-ins” on their third and their eighth session.
At the end of eight sessions, we write a report about group members’ participation, attendance, and appropriateness for the Emerge program. Our expectation at Emerge is that all group members will identify ways they have been harmful towards their partners or families by the end of the first stage. Group members who are unable to identify such behavior will not be appropriate for our program.
Stage Two (32 group sessions) During this stage, group is more interactive. Group members spend much more time discussing their “short check-ins” and give more detail about what is going on in their relationships. These groups are open-ended, so there are typically group members that range in experience from their 9th to 40th group session. Group members should become better at giving feedback and talking about what they have learned while at Emerge.
Group members also complete individually focused activities such as a “relationship history” and “goals.” In a relationship history, group members answer 14 questions about each significant relationship they have been in, and fellow group members give feedback and ask questions. We look for patterns of behavior that can be changed so that group members may become a more respectful partners and parents.
Other individual activities include completing “goals.” Group members write goals they know they need to work on in order to stop their harmful behavior and become more respectful. While one person does this, the rest of the group comes up with goals for that person based on what they have learned about this person over time. Another activity involves a “self-evaluation,” where group leaders ask questions to help group members assess their progress in the program in terms of becoming non-abusive, less alienating, and more sensitive and respectful to their partners and children.
Group Rules
At Emerge, our main expectation is the practice of respectful communication. We expect group members to communicate with us not only about what is going on in their relationships, but also about absences and payment of fees. Specific group rules are listed below.
Attendance We expect every group member to attend every group session. We understand that may not always be possible due to illness, transportation issues, work, and other issues that might come up during the 40 sessions.
If group members have to miss a group session, we expect them to call us (or e-mail us) at least 24 hours before the group starts to let us know that they cannot attend. Their message should include their name, group day and time, and the reason they are unable to attend group. We allow ONE absence every eight weeks, for which we consider not charging the group member. A second absence within an eight week period is charged at the regular group rate.
A THIRD absence within an eight week period could result in an attendance contract or termination from the program. This decision is based on whether the group member has been communicating with us on a regular basis, and we take life circumstances into consideration.
As the Boston area is known for having particularly difficult transportation issues, Emerge allows a 15-minute grace period for group attendance. As long as group members are in the group no more than 15 minutes late, there is no penalty. However, if group members are more than 15 minutes late, they will not be allowed into the session. They will be charged for the missed session, and their absence will be counted as a “no-show.”
Fee Payment We expect group members to pay their balance weekly. Group members may not fall behind more than TWO group payments. If group members fall behind more than two group payments, they may not be allowed to attend group sessions until the balance is paid.
Group fees are based on a sliding-fee scale, which is determined after program orientation by a group supervisor. We expect group members to notify us if income changes occur (such as obtaining employment, losing employment, job raises or demotions), so that the fee can be adjusted accordingly.
Clients may pay for the Abuser Education program with cash, money orders, or credit card.
General Expectations Emerge is not a substance abuse counseling agency. As such, we do not expect absolute abstinence from alcohol or other drugs during the time in the program. However, we expect group members not to use alcohol or drugs 24 hours before their group session, during the two hours of the session, and 24 hours after the session. If it is determined that a group member has substance abuse issues, we may require absolute abstinence or an evaluation and treatment at a substance abuse clinic.
Emergency closing (due to snow, bad weather, or other emergencies) will be announced on the 617-547-9879 voicemail number.
We expect group members to be respectful towards each other and group leaders. Group members who are not respectful will be asked to leave the group and may risk termination from the program.
We also expect group members to respect each other’s confidentiality by not describing other group members outside of the group. Group members can speak to their friends and family about what they are learning and how they are working to change.
Group Times
Emerge Abuser Education groups take place during morning and evening hours on several different days of the week, and groups are offered in English and Spanish. Unless otherwise indicated, all groups take place at Emerge's Malden office. You must complete an orientation session and enroll in the program before you may attend a group. Our group times, listed by language and stage, are detailed below:
English – Stage One
Tuesdays 11AM to 1PM
Thursdays 5:45PM to 7:45PM
Spanish – Stage One
Wednesdays 5PM to 7PM (Jamaica Plain)
English – Stage Two
Tuesdays 11AM to 1PM
Wednesdays 6PM to 8PM (Cambridge)
Thursdays 6PM to 8PM
Thursdays 8PM to 10PM
Spanish – Stage Two
Wednesdays 7PM to 9PM (Jamaica Plain)
Heterosexual Women
By Appointment Only
Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender Women
By Appointment Only
Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Men
By Appointment Only
Group Fee Information
Group Locations
Emerge holds most group sessions at our main office in Malden. However, our Spanish-speaking groups meet in Jamaica Plain. Additionally, our Wednesday Night Second Stage Group in English meets at the Swedenborg Chapel in Cambridge. All locations are accessible by public transportation, and directions are listed below.
MALDEN 388 Pleasant St., Suite 204 Malden, MA 02148
Our Malden office is accessible by the T via the Malden Center stop on the Orange Line. It is approximately a 5-minute walk by exiting the stop out the west exit and following Centre Street as it turns into Pleasant Street. We are across the street from First Parish in Malden church and Beebe School. Many MBTA bus routes also serve Malden Center, and the Orange Line connects to all other train lines in downtown Boston.
CAMBRIDGE (Wednesday Night Second Stage Only) Swedenborg Chapel 50 Quincy St. Cambridge, MA 02138
Our Wednesday night Second Stage group takes place at Swedenborg Chapel near Harvard Square. It is a short walk from the Harvard Square stop on the Red Line. Many MBTA buses also serve Harvard Square, and the Red Line connects to the Green and Orange Lines in downtown Boston.
JAMAICA PLAIN (Spanish Speaking Only) Hosted by Curtis Hall Community Center 20 South Street Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
The Center is about a 10-15 minute walk from the Orange Line Green Street Station or Forest Hills Station. Alternatively, the 39 bus and the 41 bus both run on South Street and stop within one block of the Center.