This is verbal violence -------- and it is destructive.

Verbal violence is all around us – in print, radio, television, movies and face-to-face interactions. How many of us have read, heard, or spoken in ways that attempt to manipulate, belittle, accuse, blame, shame, or stigmatize.

If you don’t come with me, I’ll know you don’t love me.
You are such an idiot.
You said that just to embarrass me.
It's all your fault.
You would know the answer if you had any brains whatsoever.
You are just like them – a hopeless delinquent.

How do you feel when someone says something like this to you? How do you think other people feel when you communicate this way to them? Do you feel resentment, hurt, anger, alienation? Do you think other people might feel hurt?

There is another way to connect with each other – communication with compassion and empathy that sees and respects each individual’s humanity and vulnerability.

This is nonviolent communication ---------- and it is peaceful, yet powerful.

And it can be learned. Come join our group to learn and practice a compassionate way to relate. Help make our world, right now, a more peaceful place!