Program Overview
Program Overview
The Heart & Hope program is a family strengths-based intervention program developed by Extension faculty to address domestic violence prevention in rural Nevada. The program aims to increase protective factors that create healthy home environments, breaking the cycle of domestic violence.
Background
In 2012, Extension faculty conducted formal needs assessments in two rural Nevada counties, Elko and Churchill, which revealed domestic violence prevention as a high-priority issue. The program was developed to provide prevention and intervention education for children and their non-abusive parents, as services in rural Nevada are often limited to victim crisis intervention.
Program Details
Heart & Hope focuses on increasing protective factors such as:
- Healthy parent-child relationships
- Positive family dynamics
- Emotionally supportive environments
Outcomes
Since 2015, the program has served 46 families in Elko, including 54 adults and 110 children. Program evaluation data show significant impacts, with adults reporting increases in:
- Coping skills and stress management
- Maintaining healthy relationships
- Having hope for the future
- Strengthening family relationships
- Using child development resources
- Opening up communication with children
- Using positive guidance strategies
- Modeling emotional competency
- Problem-solving and conflict management
Family Violence Intervention Program
The program is designed to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing domestic violence, with a focus on family strengths and resilience.