^{A holistic programme to reduce the risk of domestic abuse}

A 12-week course for couples where one, other or both are using abusive behaviour and are unable to communicate effectively.

• “In these meetings we are able to speak about our experiences and actions as well as listening to those of others. This gives you a unique experience as well as the opportunity to learn from everyone in the group.
  We learn to think and by mindful of the ‘ripple effects ‘ of our actions, which we do, but I wish that I could show people the ripple effects of the good that results from the work that is carried out by these wonderful people.”

• “Over the years, l saw several counsellors, clinical psychologists and CPN’s. l never felt like any of them ‘got me’ like Jo did. I felt an overwhelming sense of relief, l feel like l am getting to know myself now. It (the intervention) has given me the chance of real inner peace for the first time in my life & has helped us communicate & value each other & our relationship in a way l couldn’t imagine possible.”

• “The impact (the intervention) has/will have going forward cannot be underestimated, knowing what I know now along with the techniques taught on the course I am now confident that my relationships can prosper and grow positively. I wish I knew about it years ago”

Research shows that to reduce the risk of domestic abuse in the community, services should support both the victim and the offender.

This course:

• Addresses the inability of couples to communicate effectively.

• Is run as separate groups for males and females.

• Is delivered by qualified and experienced staff from a variety of backgrounds, who receive expert supervision.

• Is hosted by a value based social enterprise, which specialises in citizen / patient led initiatives.

Features:	Benefits:
Short term and cost effective	Reduced cost to the Police; Social Services; NHS and Agencies.   The annual cost to England was estimated to be 15.7 billion in 2009 – 3.8 billion for the criminal justice system, NHS, Social Services, housing and civil legal costs. 10 billion in human and emotional cost plus 1.9 billion in lost revenue to the economy (sickness from work). (1)   All work is carried out in house (the victim and the abuser) reducing the time and cost pressures on other agencies.
A comprehensive package which focuses on reducing risk to all involves, including the whole family and the wider community.	·We pro-actively link to the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference [MARAC] process. We pro-actively link to children’s and adult’s safeguarding teams. All facilitating staff have had recent training on DASH risk assessment.
Prevention of escalation ·         From 31st October 2016 the only access to domestic abuse prevention work in Cornwall will be via the Criminal Justice System, as part of a court mandated sentence.	Our intention to offer a community based voluntary programme, is aimed at reducing risk for both women and men regardless of sexual orientation. It is achieved by providing an early intervention which is both cost effective and focuses on the reduction of risk to victims and children. (2,3) We fully recognise that many couples choose to stay together, and aim to support this, whilst monitoring risk (ACPO DASH).   We will also employ an ‘action learning approach’ to look at areas such as, the impact on society; employment; repeat offending and mental health based on Care Right Now’s Speak up for Learning © model. We also use the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale [WEMWBS] to assess progress.
References:
(1)    Reguge.org.uk – Professor Sylvia Walby (2009) University of Leeds.
(2)    Hester M, Westmarland N, Gangoli G, Wilkinson M, O’Kelly C, Kent A and Diamond A (2006) Domestic Violence Perpetrators: Identifying needs to inform early intervention. Bristol: University of Bristol
(3)    Little, M., Berry, V., Morpeth, L., Blower, S., Axford, N., Taylor, R.,  and Tobin, K. (2012). The impact of three evidence-based programmes delivered in public systems in Birmingham, UK. International Journal of Conflict and Violence,6(2), 260-272. (4)    Using WEMWBS to measure the impact of your work on mental wellbeing: A practice-based user guide (2015) NHS Scotland. WWW: http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/6074.aspx (accessed 4/11/16).
Click here for a 2 page flyer or email: info@carerightnow.co.uk