Coventry charity calls on domestic abuse perpetrators to seek support
Relate's programme is a structured group intervention designed to work with those perpetrating abuse within their intimate relationships
A charity in Coventry is inviting individuals who have hurt their loved ones to seek support.
The Choose to Change programme looks to help perpetrators change how they behave in relationships and offers support to their partners.
Relate want people to refer themselves, without feeling judged.
Wes Longden, Community Engagement Officer at Relate, is delivering the scheme.
He said: "We run a group programme that is over 22 weeks that looks at a whole series of different elements like jealous behaviour, what is domestic abuse within an intimate relationship, negotiation, and parenting. We help people reflect on their past abusive behaviour, because learning through reflection will help them understand what their beliefs are.
"We're getting social workers referring through to us mostly, but the programme is open to anybody. People can self-refer to us, we're looking for people who are acknowledging that they've been abusive and who are at a point that they recognise that they need some support to change. We also have an integrated support service for the victims and ex-partners because we work in partnership with Coventry Haven and Panahghar."
He continued: "There are some perpetrators who are serial perpetrators, they're pretty ingrained in that type of behaviour. But there are a lot of men who are not happy with how they behave and so there's a level of shame that might sit with them.
"Obviously, their behaviour can't be excused, but when you look at their histories and talk to them, a lot of them have suffered traumatic things themselves. That’s why we're wanting to try to get the message out there that they're not going to get punished or judged for this from us. We really want to open up a conversation for them to get some support."
The programme is open to anyone over the age of 18 years living in Coventry.
Relates works with both men and women who identify themselves as straight, gay, lesbian, bi or transgender.
The Centre works with people from all ethnic, religious and cultural groups across the city and will work to meet the unique needs of all diverse groups.