Wolverhampton's new Community Based Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programme, launched earlier this year, is targeted at men who want to stop their abusive behaviour.
The programme has been commissioned by the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership and is delivered by My Time, which provides community mental health and domestic violence services in the Midlands and has been working with perpetrators in abusive relationships since 2012.
The 30 week programme comprises of weekly 2 hour sessions and supports men to build awareness of and recognise their own abusive behaviours towards current or ex-partners, and to make positive changes.
Councillor Hazel Malcolm, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "This year, during our Orange Wolverhampton campaign to end gender based violence, we are not just highlighting the support which is available to victims of domestic violence but also those services which can help potential perpetrators change their behaviours.
"It's important that controlling, violent or abusive individuals face up to how their behaviour affects their partner and family, understand what triggers this behaviour, and learn non-abusive ways of behaving.
"Taking part in a programme like this can make a real difference to the lives of all of those involved - not just the perpetrator, but their partners or ex-partners, and any children who may have be affected by their abusive behaviour.
"I would encourage anyone who recognises that they are abusive in their relationships to take that first step towards a better life by enrolling on this programme."
Men can self refer themselves to the programme, and referrals are also welcomed from any organisation in the public, private, voluntary and community sectors.
Prospective participants will be assessed for suitability, will need to acknowledge their abusive behaviour and demonstrate a willingness to change, as well as give consent for their partner(s) to be contacted during the programme.
To make a referral to the programme, please call My Time on 0121 766 6699. For more information, please visit Type=links;Linkid=11329;Title=My Time;Target=_blank;.
Male and female perpetrators of domestic violence can get help and support through Respect UK - for more information, please call 0808 802 4040 or visit Type=links;Linkid=11330;Title=Respect UK;Target=_blank;.
The perpetrator programmes compliment other schemes running in Wolverhampton which also seek to address the root cause of, and prevent, domestic violence and abuse. For more information, please visit Type=links;Linkid=11331;Title=Safer Wolverhampton - VAWG;Target=_blank;.
The Orange Wolverhampton campaign, which is championed and run by the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership, Wolverhampton Safeguarding Boards and Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum, raises awareness of gender-based violence - violence primarily committed against women and girls, including domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so called 'honour based' violence and sexual violence - but also the help and support that is available to victims.
Anyone suffering from domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so called 'honour based' violence or sexual violence, or knows someone who is, should call the relevant helpline:
- The Haven Wolverhampton 24-hour helpline for women - 08000 194400
- St George's Hub support for male victims - 01902 421904
- National Domestic Violence helpline for women - 0808 2000 247
- National Domestic Violence helpline for men - 0808 8010327
- NSPCC FGM helpline - 0800 028 3550
- Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of so-called 'honour-based' violence and forced marriage - 0800 5999 247
- Wolverhampton Adults Social Care - 01902 551199
- Wolverhampton Children's Social Care - 01902 555392
In an emergency, always call police on 999.
To find out more about the Orange Wolverhampton campaign, please visit Type=links;Linkid=10998;Title=OrangeWolves;Target=_blank; or follow it on Type=links;Linkid=9893;Title=Twitter;Target=_blank; using the hashtag #OrangeWolves, or Type=links;Linkid=7295;Title=Facebook;Target=_blank;.
- released: Friday 7 December, 2018