Domestic Abuse Groupwork Programme

Sacro’s Domestic Abuse Groupwork Programme (DAGP) is provided to men who have been convicted of a domestic abuse or related offence against their partner or ex-partner.

What does the service offer?

The intensive six-stage programme encourages participants to face up to the position they are in and look at themselves and the way others view them. The programme explores each participant’s individual offence and promotes empathy and understanding of the victim’s position. By focusing on identifying behavioural signals and practising life skills, the programme encourages the maintenance of positive behaviour through personal awareness. The final stage focusses on relapse prevention and assists in identifying the support networks available to help maintain this.

How does the service work?

The programme runs in the evening or during the day (depending on client availability) on a weekly basis for up to 24 weeks. The programme will generally consist of six to eight men and two programme facilitators.

Regular reports on progress and participation are forwarded to the supervising officer who will be available to offer support throughout the programme.

Who is the service aimed at?

The DAGP is aimed at men who have been convicted of a domestic abuse or related offence. A parallel service is also provided to offer support to partners or ex-partners of men who are on the programme.

How is the service accessed?

Referrals are made via the local authority criminal justice teams, usually at the pre-sentencing stage when social enquiry reports are being compiled. Participants for this service must be subject to some form of statutory supervision order or licence.