Join a Group
A domestic violence support group unlike any other
If you’ve harmed your partner and want to change, joining a group can be one of the best ways to jump-start your transformation. Our 10-week, on-line, facilitator-led gatherings connect you to others who are on your same journey. You’ll discover what’s at the source of your actions, learn new skills, and get help overcoming some of your most challenges situations–all in a welcoming, confidential, and non-shaming environment.
By the way, there is no cost to you, we will never try to sell you anything, and we never share your information.
New groups start soon! Sign up for the next group:
Thursday afternoon group – starts Thursday, Jan 9, 2025 at 1 PM US Central time. (Note: this is 7PM in the UK and 8 PM for much of Europe).
Saturday morning group – starts Saturday, Feb 15, 2025 at 10 AM US Central time.
Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it. Here is what previous participants had to say:
Hear their individual stories below as they talk about their Ananias group experience.
Al’s Story
Ana’s Story
Marcus’s Story
Chris’s Story
Marlow’s Story
Ryan’s Story
Change is possible!
We survey all participants at the end of the group experience. Here’s what they say in their evaluations.
In their own words
Here are some written testimonials…
The Ananias Online Group helped me salvage my marriage. Michael made the material relevant and easy to understand. He created a safe place to share sensitive topics and made me feel at ease. My greatest take-away were the tools Michael armed me with to address my anger and emotions. Having completed this course, I am prepared to address my past and move forward in a healthy and happy way. I would recommend the Ananias Foundation Online Group to anyone who has battled with abusive relationships.
~John, Tennessee
“I was tired of hurting my wife and hated who I was becoming. I was heading toward ending up in jail, losing everything I’ve worked for, or both. The Ananias Foundation was the only place I found that helps people who are looking for help to change their abusive behavior or problems experienced from this behavior without being forced to do a group mandated by a court of law.”
~Jeff, Ohio
“I would recommend this group to anyone willing to change or trying to understand their abusive behavior.”
~Tom, North Carolina
“It is hard admitting when you have a problem and noticing you need help. It’s also hard to find others experiencing the same problems because no one wants to admit they have a problem. But taking that first step and recognizing my problem is what made me look up classes to help change who I have become.”
~Kayla, California
“The Ananias Foundation gave me the anonymous group that I needed without the shame of doing it in an in-person session.”
~Anthony, Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the meetings?
All of the sessions meet via a video call on-line, so they are conveniently assessable wherever you are–as long as you have access to the Internet!
How long is the group?
The group meets for 10, weekly sessions. Each session is 90 minutes, plus or minus a few minutes depending upon our discussion.
What happens after I sign up?
You’ll receive a confirmation email from us and a calendar invite to the first meeting. That’s all you need to do until your group begins.
What equipment do I need to join?
Ideally we’d like you to join with a computer or cell phone with a video camera, although it is possible to call in to the group.
How do I join the call?
You’ll receive a calendar invite that will contain a Zoom meeting link. Simply click on the link at the time of the meeting and you will be connected.
Can I join the group anonymously?
Sure. Since our groups have participants from all over the US and are even international, it’s unlikely that anyone you know will also be in the group. However, if you want to use a participant and screen name that is not your own, feel free. Just set your Zoom profile accordingly. We’re not here to identify you, we’re here to help you.
I've been mandated by the court to take a domestic violence program. Will this one count?
It depends upon your jurisdiction. Check with your attorney or public defender to be sure.
How will the court know I attended?
The facilitator keeps attendance for each session you attend. We are happy to provide a letter stating the number of sessions your attended or a certificate of completion at the end of the group.
What happens if I miss a session?
We treat the group as something that is voluntary – you’re here because you want to be. If you miss a session, you can somewhat keep up by reading the handout and completing the exercises. Because the material builds on itself from session to session, we generally drop anyone who misses 2 sessions in a row and recommend they start again in a new group.
Can I continue my work with the Ananias Foundation after the 10-week group finishes?
Yes. Those that complete our 10-week group are invited to join our “alumni” group, Continuing the Journey. We also share a number of resources that participants can use individually as they extend their work.
What is the cost?
Nothing. All of our resources are free. Seriously – there’s no catch and we’re not going to try to sell you something later. We don’t want the cost to prevent anyone from getting the help they need.
I have a question that wasn't answered here. Is there anyone I can talk to?
Sure! Feel free to set up a 30 minute call with Michael here. He will reply with a video link when he accepts your meeting request.
Is this group for victims or perpetrators of domestic violence or abuse?
Our focus is on helping the person causing harm (the perpetrator) to change their behavior. We know a person could be both.
Is this group for men or women?
Both. We have men and women in our groups and most groups are mixed-gender groups. We know domestic violence and abuse is not a gendered issue. Both men and women can and do cause harm in relationships, and both can be harmed.
I identify as LGBTQ+. Will this group still apply to me?
Yes. Intimate partner violence, as it is sometimes called, is a human thing and is not specific to any gender or sexual orientation. All people are welcome.
I've been emotionally abusive but I've never hit my partner. Does this program still apply?
Yes. We help people stop hurtful behavior–whether it is emotional or physical abuse. We find that both have the same root cause, so therefore the solution is the same.
Both my partner and I are abusive to each other. Is this group appropriate for us?
Absolutely. We know that mutual abuse is present in about 50% of abusive relationships. We focus on what each individual needs to do to “clean up their side of the street”. We also talk about how to best handle a partner when they are being difficult so you are not making the situation worse.
Can I sign up for this group with my partner?
We’d prefer that you and your partner join different groups.
Is this group counseling?
No. Our facilitators are not counselors and we don’t do counseling. Our groups are considered to be “community groups” and we do talk about well-established counseling principles.
Should I do this group instead of counseling?
We always encourage participants to work with a good counselor if they have access to one. Generally a person’s individual counseling and our group experience are complimentary to each other, building and enhancing what you get from each.
Should I do this group or the online course?
Both are good options and cover similar content. Our course, The Transformation Journey, is great if you prefer working by yourself at your own pace, or if our group meetings don’t fit your schedule. The Group is best if you like learning from others in your same situation, or if you prefer the discipline of 10 scheduled meetings.
Do I have to be Christian to enroll?
No. The Ananias Foundation is a Christian-based organization and we briefly share how a relationship with God can make a difference in a person’s transformation. However, there is no expectation of participants to share or adopt that faith and we’re confident you’ll find the information we present very helpful.
What material is covered?
We cover material found in our Guidebook, but with added discussion of how the concepts we cover apply to situations you experience in your life.
What happens during the group time?
We start with a check-in where participants share their experiences of applying the material we discussed in previous sessions. Then we cover a new topic for each session.