perpetrator Programmes

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, and the content will vary, but on the whole they will cover these issues:

" What is violence and abuse?
" Understanding why I'm abusive.
" Learning that I am in control of my own behaviour and can choose not to be abusive.
" 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

Groups use a variety of interactive exercises to make the learning realistic, stimulating and relevant to peoples own situations. Most programmes will ask each person to report any violence or abuse they have used since the last group and any difficulties or problems in their relationship they want to raise. The emphasis of this round, as with the whole programme, should be on safety.

How long do they last for?

Programmes will differ in length and content, but the Home Office guidelines (Respect) recommend the following:

" 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.
" Each group session will have a particular them. Some themes will last over several weeks.
" Some groups will be closed - this means that all the clients join at the same time and complete the group together. Others will be rolling programmes - where there are new clients who join every 4-6 weeks.

How can you join?

Some programmes take abusers who self-refer, some take people who are mandated to attend by the courts as part of a probation order, or as a recommendation from the family courts. In Barnsley, Pathways and the National Probation Service run perpetrator programmes. Details of Pathways will be added later as they are in the process of moving  Those who refer themselves will generally meet with a worker for an assessment interview. This is to enable both the worker and the client to check that the programme is suitable and to sign a contract. Once a person is accepted onto a programme they will usually join a group at the next intake session. Sometimes, peoples abusive behaviour can get worse before it gets better, both before and when they are on a programme.