On of the most common forms of violence in the United States is interpersonal abuse. The victims, usually women, are afraid to report crime and therefore, battery is the most underreported crime. Battered women are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, drug-and alcohol-related abuse, and severe psychiatric problems with the likelihood of ending up in prison. All of this was the inspiration for a psycho-educational violence and abuse prevention project implemented in Florida’s prison system. The Esuba program began in 1990. Esuba: Women Helping Women Turn Abuse Around is a two-phase, 24-week, psycho-educational program designed to increase awareness of abuse and violence. It serves as a prevention model for future abusive behaviors. Phase I is divided into 12 topic areas which include identifying violence and abuse, stereotypes, cultural and historical abuse, sexual battery and sexual abuse, abuse in families, child abuse, elder abuse, abuse of the disabled, perception versus reality, and self abuse. This study examined the impact of Phase I with data collected from participants in the 12-week Phase I component. This study was conducted using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and included both male and female participants, varying in age, who were serving a sentence in a Florida correctional institution, who were convicted of various crimes, and who participated in the Esuba program between the years of 1997 and 2000. The sample include 157 Phase I participants who completed both pre- and posttest evaluations. Results were promising, indicating a positive change for the inmate participants. The results suggest that the Esuba program appears to have an impact on offenders’ self-esteem, stability of self, faith in people, and sensitivity to criticism. This study provides a foundation for program development and continued investigation. References