Is The CHAT Project the right fit for you? Are you…

  • Impacted by domestic violence or sexual violence now or in the past? You could be someone who was harmed, you witnessed or knew about harm, or you caused harm through your actions. 
  • Interested in dialogue to address the violence or the impacts? We help people talk with the folks in their life to increase safety, reduce violence, and seek repair.
  • Wanting to help address violence and conflict, but not sure where to start? We can help you sort through your thoughts and make a plan on where to begin.
  • Wanting to reconnect with loves ones or community after experiencing violence or harm? We can support you in envisioning new possibilities and creating an action plan to move forward.
  • Seeking to end harmful behaviors towards your loved ones and transform negative patterns? We provide a supportive and safe process for accountability and help you envision genuine transformation. 

We are here for individuals, groups, and families in Contra Costa County and the greater Bay Area.

The CHAT Project works primarily with people living in Contra Costa or the Greater Bay Area. We may not be able to support your request.

“You all were very empathetic, taking the time we needed to work through many complex layers of needs and challenges, and helping me to feel I have strong support for my goals.”

– A participant on working with The CHAT Project facilitators

Learn more about
Working with us

Based in the principles and practices of restorative justice and circles, The CHAT Project works with individuals, families (however defined), friends, and community members who are seeking solutions to interpersonal harm and violence.

What we offer

  • Restorative justice processes – Restorative justice generally involves face-to-face dialogue and brings together all people impacted to address a harm, deepen our understanding of the root causes, explore needs, and make commitments for the future.

 

  • Safe accountability work for people who have caused harm – We offer support and resources for people engaging in a healing journey and who are committed to ending their use of violence and coercion.

 

  • Guidance and resources for support people – We offer guidance, resources, and brainstorming to people supporting survivors and/or people causing harm in their own lives. In collective responses to family violence and sexual harm, support people may have questions about patterns of violence, seek guidance on navigating their role, or seek support to begin talking about the harm with the person they love.
  • Facilitated circles – Families and communities impacted by domestic and sexual violence  can request circles that focus on healing, connection, support, and safety planning after violence. A circle may also focus on accountability for a person who has caused harm with their support system.
  • Coaching and support for gathering – We encourage families to gather in ways that feel natural to them! We offer coaching, support, and brainstorming for people that want to connect with their family or friends to address harm, healing, and safety and do not need or want outside facilitators from CHAT.
  • Help for hard conversations – We offer brainstorming and support for people that want to have a conversation with people in their life about violence and need help organizing their thoughts and planning how to do it well. This can include safety planning, resource sharing, practice, and sharing strategies. 

What we don't offer

  • Therapy – Facilitators with CHAT are not therapists and aren’t clinically trained. We believe in therapy and encourage people who are participating with The CHAT Project to also get connected to therapy.
  • Legal advice – We are not lawyers and we can’t offer legal advice.
  • Crisis intervention – We do not offer crisis intervention services and most processes require that the immediate crisis has passed in order to be effective. 
  • We cannot offer guarantees – We cannot promise any particular outcome or that someone you want to participate in this process will agree to join. We can commit to exploring and see what is possible together.

What else you should know

  • Our facilitation support is free
  • Our processes are confidential
  • The CHAT Project is here to offer support, guidance, and resources but not to force any process. It will require your active participation and leadership

Service providers and organizations:

You can connect a client or community member with The CHAT Project by using the referral form below or by emailing info@chatproject.org.

Referral Form