The Nevermore Batterers Prevention and Intervention Program is an educational and supportive gathering of men who have a history of abuse in their relationships, as well youth who may be at risk of participating in domestic violence. Providing tools, knowledge, and resources to change abusive and controlling behaviors, the Nevermore Program aims to stop further violence, in any form. The curriculum is comprehensive, written and revised to best reflect the lived experiences of the men.  

Welcome to Nevermore 

When the Milwaukee Women’s Center’s Daniel Vega created Nevermore in 1981, there were few programs for women who experienced domestic violence, and even fewer programs offered to address the needs of the men who were abusing their partners.  

It’s important to note what our awareness of domestic violence looked like when the Nevermore Program was introduced. Back then, domestic violence was largely hidden, stigmatized, and treated as a private family matter. This makes it even more impressive that the advocates who opened the Milwaukee Women’s Center in 1980 knew the importance of helping the men who were the perpetrators of domestic violence, too. 

After all, many of the women who turn to the Milwaukee Women’s Center for safety and counseling regarding abuse in their relationships don’t necessarily want to relationship to end. They want the abuse to end and want to create a healthy relationship with their partner.  

“Somebody came up with the idea that if we help the men be better men, the women will be going back to a safer environment,” says Steve Thomas, Nevermore program facilitator and manager.  

The solution: rehabilitate the men. 

Generational Trauma and Intergenerational Violence  

In 2024, a full 142 men made strides to become better partners, better parents, and better men through the Nevermore program.  

In a recent Nevermore meeting, the facilitator asked: How many of you were abused physically, emotionally, or sexually growing up? Not a single hand remained on the table.  

The overwhelming response demonstrated how trauma persists through the generations. The Nevermore men have witnessed and experienced violence and other forms of abuse in their lives, likely never having received any counseling or therapy to help them heal.

Emotions run high in the Nevermore rooms as experiences of pain, sadness, fear, and regret are shared. Their abusive behavior isn’t excused—it's confronted. The men sit with their heads down as they absorb every word from the facilitator and their peers.  

“We also know the cycle of abuse means working with youth and men with a history of violence in their relationships. Through individual and group sessions, the Nevermore program rehabilitates the whole man, so they learn different behaviors and enjoy healthy relationships. They then can be better partners, parents, and men in society,” Thomas says.  

A Different Future for Boys and Men 

Nevermore groups have convened thousands of times to thousands of men over the last 44 years.  

Participants must attend a minimum of 24 two-hour sessions focusing on four significant areas: education and awareness regarding the dynamics of domestic violence; healing and rehabilitation; nonviolent communication and conflict resolution skills; and development of an abuse prevention plan.  

The men are encouraged to attend fatherhood sessions offered by Community Advocates to help them gain additional skills and insights. They also have access to a 24-hour crisis line, individual and couples therapy, and Community Advocates’ continuum of basic needs services. Men can attend Nevermore sessions as long as they are willing to participate—and some have attended for years. 

In addition, Nevermore facilitators provide programming to teenage men to help them learn healthy behaviors within their relationships. 

Although most of the participants have been court-ordered to attend Nevermore, the program is not punishment—it’s rehabilitation. The Nevermore sessions invite and welcome those who wish to improve their relationships and become better men. 

Click here to learn more about the Nevermore Batterers Prevention and Intervention Program. If you are experiencing a domestic violence situation, please call the Milwaukee Women’s Center’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line at 414-671-6140.