The PAR Model

Not just another well-intended approach to
ending violence, but a wholesale departure from the
10,000 year-old way we see, describe, and respond to violence.

This is a revolution of promise and hope —
one which rejects many conventional notions about violence.

This new model allows us to move from
despair and powerlessness to effective restoration and healing.

	For more information on the PAR Model, click on the button above.

In Brief

The central goal of the National Violence Reduction Initiative is to bring the new Violence Integrative Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model to the people of the United States. This new "social technology" is considered by many to be a major breakthrough for human relationships.

The PAR Model is a new, evidence-based, cognitive approach to violence response and prevention built upon a public health foundation. It is a significant departure from the traditional “punitive” model for dealing with violence. The PAR Model incorporates new thinking about and language for describing violence, provides a new framework for preventing and responding to violence, and presents an effective alternative to the commonly-used traditional punitive-based approaches for dealing with violence.

Reducing and Eliminating Violence

The PAR Model provides a foundation for the reduction and, in many settings, elimination of violent crime, child abuse, war, rape, genocide, “honor” killings of women, “ethnic cleansing,” family violence, terrorism, slavery, and other forms of violence.

Violence is also an economic problem, reflected in the cost of prisons, police forces, the War on Terror, security (borders, airports, ports, etc.), health costs, veteran costs, economic disruption, and personal security.

The PAR Model strips violence of its overtones of fear, superstition, demonization, vengeance, and powerlessness. Those using the PAR Model have reported that they see violence and its dynamics innew ways, resulting in more positive, effective, lasting, and compassionate outcomes.

Detailed Information About the PAR Model

Detailed information on the PAR Model can be found on theorist Ari Cowan's web site (refer to the links on the sidebar to the right). Information about the PAR Model and the NVRI is the subject of "Getting to the End of Violence" public programs and the Voices and Ambassador training programs.

Theorist Ari Cowan is the author of the Violence Integrative Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model.
More about Ari Cowan >>>