MERGE  offers group counselling for men who have verbally, mentally or physically abused a spouse / partner. Many men who abuse their partners have abused their children as well. The program also addresses the connection between spouse / partner and child abuse.

Our experience shows us that once a man begins to abuse in any way, he has a problem that won't go away, and will must likely get worse. Men often apologize after an abusive incident, and promise their spouse / partner that they will change.

Unfortunately, we have found that men do not stop being abusive without outside assistance.

Here are some questions you can review to see if you have a problem with abuse.

• Have you cheated on your partner?
• Have you ever hit, pushed, grabbed, threatened, frightened or intimidated your partner?
• Does she complain about you controlling her life?
• Has she told you that she is afraid of you?
• Are your children afraid of you?
• Do you frequently insult her, call her names?
• Say things that make her uncomfortable?
• Do you often pressure her to do things your way, even she doesn't want to?
• When you treat her badly, do you consider it her fault?
• Do you blame it on alcohol, stress, or family problems?
• Have you ever been accused of mistreating your children?
• Has your partner complained about jealous or possessive behaviour on your part?