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This programme aims to manage the risk imposed by an offender. It is designed to eliminate the physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse of a partner. It is targeted at male offenders who have committed at least one offence linked to domestic violence against a female partner. Men who are assessed as medium to high risk for relationship violence, as indicated by the severity or the pattern of abuse, are also eligible. Offenders work towards a number of specific goals, which should increase their ability to:
The programme has four main elements:
Inter-agency risk management - regular meetings to discuss the offenders risk are held between the appropriate agencies. This can include probation, police, victim liaison, social services and health departments.
Women’s Safety Workers – when the victim is willing, they make and maintain contact whilst the offender is on the programme. This is a partnership between Norcare and Northumbria Probation Trust.
Active case management - the offender manager is central to all information on risk assessment and is in regular contact with other agencies and programme staff.
The groupwork programme – offenders work towards changing their attitudes and behaviour through an intensive groupwork programme.
During the course of the programme, the offender undertakes structured work with the offender manager. This involves behaviour assessments and work to reinforce what has been learned during the groupwork sessions. Relapse prevention work is also undertaken to help offenders to identify situations which might cause them to offend and learn how to avoid them.
