In the wake of the heartbreaking news out of South Florida—a triple murder in Tamarac linked to domestic violence—and the high-profile separation of Dolphins star Tyreek Hill following an alleged domestic incident, conversations around preventing intimate partner violence have never been more urgent. These tragic events underscore a pressing truth: love alone isn’t enough to sustain safe, healthy relationships.
But healing is possible. And it starts with skills—skills most of us were never taught.
That’s where PAIRS (Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills) comes in.
“What we’ve seen over and over again is that when people have the opportunity to learn how to express their emotions safely, listen deeply, and fight fair, they can break cycles of fear, anger, and isolation. PAIRS isn’t therapy—it’s life education,” says PAIRS Trainer Rachel Marmor, LMHC.
Since its founding, PAIRS has served as a bridge to healing for couples impacted by trauma, mistrust, and sometimes even violence. Unlike traditional approaches that may focus solely on identifying problems, PAIRS immerses participants in experiential learning—practical tools that transform relationships from the inside out.
From helping participants identify emotional “landmines” and unspoken expectations, to mastering “The Art of Anger” and “Fighting Fair”, PAIRS creates a structured, supportive space for couples to rediscover trust, empathy, and hope.
The PAIRS Essentials program, for example, condenses decades of relationship science into powerful weekend or multi-week sessions that build the foundation for emotional safety and intimacy. Whether it’s “Emptying the Emotional Jug,” clarifying expectations, or daily habits like the “Temperature Reading,” couples learn how to communicate without fear of being attacked, dismissed, or misunderstood.
“Domestic violence flourishes in the absence of emotional literacy. PAIRS programs provide a roadmap for love that is both safe and sustainable,” says Seth Eisenberg, President & CEO of the PAIRS Foundation. “We’re not born knowing how to love well. But we can learn. And when people learn, relationships heal.”
Through initiatives by Purpose Built Families Foundation, PAIRS has reached thousands of individuals and couples—including veterans, first responders, and families facing serious life stressors—with research-backed programs tailored to real-world struggles.
And perhaps most importantly, PAIRS doesn’t just focus on what not to do. It shows couples what to do—how to be a source of joy, strength, and comfort for one another.
In a culture that often teaches us to hide our feelings or power through conflict, PAIRS offers something radical: a safe place to be human.
In light of recent headlines, it’s time to invest not just in crisis response—but in prevention, resilience, and love that lasts.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
To learn more about PAIRS classes, the YODI app for couples, and professional training opportunities, visit:
Or contact PAIRS Foundation at: info@PAIRS.com.
Discover more from Fatherhood Channel
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
