Mission Statement

This service aims to bring about change in perpetrators of domestic violence, "from abuse to respect through awareness and responsibility"; to achieve a safe and healthy environment for women and children, and promote healthy relationships.

The Service

This service was set up in January 1999. It aims to assist men who are abusive in intimate relationships, to become aware of, understand and take responsibility for their behaviour. This is done through attendance in a group programme spanning over 22 weeks. Prior to acceptance to the programme, perpetrators are individually assessed by a professional person as to their suitability for the group. It is hoped that through attendance in the programme, perpetrators are helped to change from being abusive to being respectful in their beliefs and, subsequently in their behaviour. Service users are also provided with a social work service if it is required.

After the group programme, the participants are also encouraged to receive continued support through an open support group. The service also liaises with the Domestic Violence Unit in cases where social workers from this unit are working with the perpetrator's partner, so as to provide a feedback loop regarding the progress of the perpetrator. Support on an individual basis is also provided in times of crises, and in containing a situation.

Aims and Objectives

The main aims of the unit of the Perpetrators' Service are:

- to challenge the beliefs of men who abuse women in intimate relationships;

- to support clients through the process of change;

- to provide a safe place for disclosure;

- to link clients to other required services or professionals;

- to develop and contribute to services for the safety of women and children

- to contribute to public education on domestic violence;

- to work towards developing a society with zero tolerance to violence.