Domestic violence perpetrator programmes
Domestic violence perpetrator programmes are courses designed to help men to change their abusive behaviours and develop respectful, non-abusive relationships. As most of the domestic violence perpetrators are male, most perpetrator programmes work with men.
They are usually small groups of 8-12 men who have been violent or abusive in a current or previous relationship. They generally include a wide range of men from different social and cultural backgrounds.
What do perpetrator programmes involve?
The groups are usually run by two or three experienced group-workers-at least one man and at least one woman. There are many different programmes across the UK, and the content will vary, but on the whole they will cover these issues:
· What is violence and abuse?
· Understanding why I’m violent
· Learning that I am in control of my own behaviour and can choose not to be violent.
· Taking responsibility for my behaviour, without blaming others or minimising it.
· Understanding the impact of violence and abuse on my partner and children.
· Learning how to notice when I am becoming abusive and how to stop.
· Learning different, non-abusive ways of dealing with difficulties in my relationship.
· Dealing non-abusively with my partner’s anger.
· Recognising how I get wound up and learning how to wind myself down.
· Negotiation and listening- how to build a respectful relationship.
· Some groups are discussion based, but most use a variety of interactive exercises to make the learning realistic, stimulating and relevant to men’s own situations.
How long do they last for?
Programmes will differ in length and content, but Respect’s guidelines recommend that:
Changing behaviour is a long-term process-especially for someone who has used violence and abuse for a long time. Programmes should be at least 75 hours, usually this will mean that each client attends at least 24 weekly sessions of 2-3 hours.
How can you join?
Some programmes take men who self-refer, some take men who are mandated to attend by the courts as part of a probation order, or as a recommendation from the family courts. Respect will be able to tell you about programmes in your local area which take self-referrals. Ring the Respect Phoneline 0845 122 8609 to find out more.
When you refer yourself, you'll normally be invited in for an assessment interview with one of the workers, to enable both you and them to check that the programme is suitable. Once you are accepted onto a programme you will usually join a group at the next intake session, although sometimes there may be a waiting list if there is high demand.