This therapeutic treatment programme for perpetrators and victims of intimate partner violence holds perpetrators systematically accountable for their violence and abuse, while simultaneously optimising support for and ensuring the safety of their victims.

This programme targets adult male perpetrators of intimate partner violence usually referred to NICRO by the courts, and victims.

This 20-week group-based programme incorporates elements of psycho-educational and cognitive-behavioural therapy for perpetrators to educate, provide social and personal skills training and change ‘faulty’ thinking patterns, attitudes and behaviour.

Group sessions lasting 90 to 120 minutes for ten to 15 perpetrator participants are conducted weekly. Structured counselling and support groups for victims/partners of programme participants involve a minimum of eight sessions. Individual counselling (separate sessions for perpetrators and their partners/victims), couples counselling and family work are also undertaken.

This programme decreases intimate partner violence and its effects:

• Ensuring that perpetrators understand the underlying causes and consequences of their abusive behaviour
• Facilitating behaviour change of perpetrators by building thinking skills which equip them to develop new, healthier ways of communication and interaction
• Ensuring the mental and emotional health, safety and well-being of partners /victims
• Equipping victims to influence others in similar situations and to motivate them to action