This Domestic Violence Programme is a community based groupwork programme designed to reduce re-offending by adult male domestic violence offenders. It is based on the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (DAIP) developed in Duluth, Minnesota, USA. It directly promotes and requires co-operation between the agencies concerned with Domestic Violence and prioritises women’s and children’s safety. It is delivered within the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements.
The Curriculum
The curriculum uses an educational approach and challenges the use of violence by the perpetrator to establish power and control over his partner. There are 27 weekly sessions:
Themes of the Curriculum
1 Non Violence
2 Non-Threatening Behaviour
3 Respect
4 Support and Trust
5 Accountability and Honesty
6 Sexual Respect
7 Partnership
8 Responsible Parenting
9 Negotiation and Fairness
Three week process
1 Defining the theme
2 Examining abusive behaviour
3 Exploring and practising non-abusive and
non-controlling behaviour.
Following the groupwork the offender also has to complete four Preventing Re-offending Sessions with his case manager, followed by monthly Booster Sessions until the end of the order.
The programme is comprehensively evaluated. There will be measures of change in attitude, feedback from victims and a record of Police call-outs to any subsequent domestic violence incidents.
Suitability for the Programme
Pre-Sentence Reports will have a proposal for a specific condition as part of a 2 year Community Order, Community Rehabilitation Order or Community Punishment and Rehabilitation Order. It is essential that the offender indicates a willingness to co-operate with the aims of the programme, which prioritises victim safety at all times. They may also have a condition to reside where directed by their supervising officer.
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