Men Urged To Beat Domestic Abuse

1 April 2011, 06:00

Men who commit domestic abuse but want to make a positive change to their behaviour are being urged to sign up to a Healthier Relationships Course, which begins this month.

The scheme, which was launched in March last year, is run by the County Community Safety Unit (a joint unit between Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire County Council) and the Hertfordshire Children Safeguarding Board.

It is aimed at breaking the cycle of offending and encouraging men to make different choices about the way they behave with their families. Domestic abuse can include verbal, physical, emotional or financial abuse.

Places are available for twelve courses, which will run over the next 12 months.

The course is overseen by Paul Williamson, Crime Reduction & Early Intervention Detective Chief Inspector, and facilitated by independent consultants Lydia Guthrie and Stephen Morris, who have extensive experience of working with men who have committed acts of domestic abuse.

Paul said: “This course is all about helping men, who are involved in domestic abuse, to take the first steps towards a healthier relationship. The courses we ran last year were well received and they help men to recognise when their behaviour is turning abusive and promote non abusive behaviour. It’s also about reminding them of what the consequences of the abusive actions could be, such as the harm it has on their loved ones as well as the prospect of being arrested and charged."

Paul added: “Whilst we will continue to take robust action against those who commit domestic abuse, it's hoped this scheme may help people make a positive change at an early stage to break the cycle of offending for the long-term.

“We will be working closely with our partners, such as Hertfordshire County Council and healthcare colleagues, to propose candidates for the scheme but I would also encourage anyone who feels they may benefit to get in touch.”

If you would like to enquire about participating on this course, or are aware of somebody who may benefit from this course, please email ERDAP@herts.pnn.police.uk.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse, you can get help and support by calling the Domestic Violence/Abuse Helpline: 08088 088 088 or by visiting the Herts Sunflower website    http://www.hertssunflower.org/.

Those on the scheme must not have been previously convicted of any domestic violence offences, and will be subject to an individual risk assessment by the programme consultants. The programme is non-mandatory and will not have any bearing on any future sentence for criminal offences committed.