Our DVP Programme is suitable for male perpetrators of domestic violence who are assessed as being of medium to high risk of re-offending and harming current or previous female partners. At the Harmony Family Centre (HFC) our aim is to help these men to examine and explore their beliefs, both positive and negative. Offenders with limited English, literacy problems, or who are in complete denial may be unsuitable for this programme.

Referrers are encouraged to telephone the unit to discuss potential referrals, and should always do so when there are doubts about suitability.

Our programme considers that in order to change a perpetrator’s behaviour, the person’s beliefs must be the starting point for the intervention.

• In total the course participants complete 27 group sessions.
• Men on the DVPP will be offered individual sessions with facilitators in addition to their group work sessions. These sessions concentrate on reviewing what has gone on to date and workbook completion.
• There are no catch-ups sessions and so the course participants must attend all sessions. If they miss any, they continue on. Missed sessions are made up once they have completed the standard programme. They may be required to take missed sessions on the next occurrence in their normal group, or to complete with another group.
• DVIP can be used along side other interventions – for example, Parenting classes, Alcohol or Drug treatment.

The style of delivery is focused on relationship building and developing a therapeutic alliance. The course participant’s resistance, defensiveness and denial is a natural part of the change process. We work with the resistance through understanding and using motivational techniques.

There are nine modules in the programme:

1. Understanding non-violence
2. Understanding non-threatening behaviour
3. What it means to be respectful in an intimate relationship
4. What it means to be supportive to a partner
5. What it means to be honest with your partner
6. Do men and women view sexuality in the same way?
7. Understanding shared responsibility including finances
8. What does it mean to be a responsible parent
9. How can you alter the ‘I must always’ mentality

There is an application form on our website needing to be completed by the referrer. All course fees are to be paid before the commencement of the course for those self referring.

The programme runs week days Monday to Friday and on Saturdays. We also provide evening sessions.

The group capacity is 12 participants on a rolling programme.

A final report will be prepared and sent to each referring agency at the end of the programme.