Domestic Abuse, Violence and Trauma Support for Men
Are you a man who has experienced Abuse or Violence in an intimate relationship – do you feel Manipulated, Diminished or Traumatized? We can help. Life Under Constructions offers support services dedicated to men and open to all male identified people. All programs are free. Join us for positive, affirming and confidential support.
We understand men who’ve been in abusive relationships need a safe and compassionate environment to begin the process of healing. Our highest priority is ensuring the group environment is safe, non-judgmental and compassionate for all men, and male identified people, attending regardless of sexual orientation, identification, religion, race, colour, background or experiences.
The goals of the group are:
- To provide group members with support from others who are going through or have gone through categorically similar experiences.
- To acquire the skills, coping mechanisms, and resources to get you through this difficult time.
- To begin the recovery process, to heal, and regain control in your life – become empowered.
- To provide a safe and confidential space where you can be heard in a compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment.
- To meet with others who understand your experiences because they have traveled down the same path.
- To provide connection to others who may have felt isolated and alone.
If you feel diminished in any of your intimate/family relationships, think you might have been in an abusive situation or have experienced violence please contact us. We can help.
Men’s Peer Support Group
Life Under Construction Peer Support group is a safe space for fathers, boys and men of all ages to discuss whatever difficulties or hardships they are experiencing. Issues might include family break-up, loss of a loved one, employment challenges, or absolutely any other experiences you wish to share. The program will combine emotional support as well as practical information.
The program is facilitated by experienced therapists. In addition we will be regularly joined by a variety of individuals with particular expertise to share in areas like parenting, family courts, homelessness, mental health and addiction.
Program: Fathering After Separation or Divorce
We currently offer an exciting program dedicated to divorced or separated fathers. The ‘Fathering After Separation or Divorce program will provide a broad range of knowledge, resources and skills for fathers looking to maintain a strong relationship with their children following a divorce or separation.
What You Get
This program will provide valuable knowledge, resources and skills with a curriculum built for fathers, based on the best research from child psychologists, father-friendly lawyers and men’s health providers:
- Better understand what your child is going through and the changes they will experience
- Learn conflict resolution, team work, communication and co-parenting skills
- Learn how to deal with and report child abuse
- Learn how to take care of your emotional and physical health and well-being
- Learn how to protect yourself and understand your rights and obligations
- Connect to other father’s groups, social service agencies, lawyers and medical professionals
- Hear from special experts and guests who will join us as much as can be arranged
Eligibility
Eligible participants must be male, father of one or more children (not necessary to be biological father), separated or divorced, someone who sees separation or divorce as an issue they are trying to work on, have an interest in the needs and well being of their children and not be registered in other parenting programs. Priority will be given to those coming from a disadvantaged background.
This program is free of charge.
Employment Support and Professional Development Workshops
We provide three forms of assistance:
- Professional Development and Financial Literacy
Have you been through a messy divorce, a struggle with a physical or mental health issue, or other hardships? Get back on your feet financially with our series of free workshops on professional development and financial literacy. Learn to avoid common mistakes to avoid as you rebuild your life. We’ll equip you with the tools and resources to start you on your new journey. - Unemployment supportive Counselling.
Through education and awareness, Life Under Construction staff will give the client/s an opportunity to discuss past, present and future barriers and struggles to obtain full or part-time employment. By understanding how males identify with obtaining employment and how unemployment can affect their overall wellbeing, the LUC staff can assist with employment goals, career counselling, providing workshops and one-on-one assistance as well as providing appropriate referrals as needed. When in a group setting, individuals can create a non-judgemental support system where they can feel safe discussing struggles they have experienced and the societal pressures they face in regards to gender stereotypes, stigma and societal norms. The focus of the Life Under Construction staff will include; allowing individuals to speak freely about employment struggles and offer emotional support, provide services and referrals, as well as assistance filling out government documents. - Employment Support: Résumé Critique, Cover Letter Building, Interview Preparation
To assist men and youth one-on-one or in a group setting with Employment Based Resource and assistance including; Résumé Critique and Building (Chronological, Functional and Combination Résumés), Cover Letter Building Assistance, Interview Preparation, and Unemployment Supportive counselling. By identifying barriers faced by men and youth within Los Angeles in regards to obtaining successful employment, The LUC staff will assist individuals through education, awareness, understanding and goal setting.
Résumé Critique
Assisting individuals with Résumé Critique will include education and awareness including; the purpose of a résumé, elements of a good résumé, the composition of a résumé, do’s and don’ts, correct vocabulary, common resume types including chronological, functional, and combination résumés, hard and soft skills, and proofreading.
Cover Letter Building
Assisting individuals with Cover Letter Building will include education and awareness including; Why you need a cover letter, purpose of a cover letter, cover letter writing, components of a cover letter, do’s and don’ts, and general cover letter tips.
Interview Preparation
Assisting individuals with Interview Preparation will include education and awareness including; How to discuss an appropriate interview time, steps to preparations, how to research a company, references, appearance; dress for success, visiting the location, what to bring to an interview, do’s and don’ts, what happens during an interview, typical interview questions, behavioural questions, types of interviews, after the interview has been conducted, and thank you letters.