Perpetrator Programmes

IDAP – Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme

The Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme is a group programme for convicted offenders which focuses on concepts like control and misuse of power. Offenders are expected to talk openly about their violence to the group, and listen to others’ experiences – this, along with the educational content of the course has been proven to help violent men recognise the impact of their violence, take responsibility for their actions and eventually stop their violent behaviour.

The course addresses both physical and psychological violence. This can include isolation from friends or family; degradation – public humiliation, forced sex acts or repeated household chores; threats of the above, threats to children or threats of suicide; making ceaseless demands, having unpredictable moods and holding distorted perspectives such as “I only hurt you because I love you”.

The victims themselves often have an important part to play in their partner’s rehabilitation, and the victim’s needs are always supported first and foremost. If the victim and the offender are still in contact the victim is asked to give regular feedback to help shape the offender’s supervision. The safety of any women or children involved is paramount and the success of the Programme is judged on how far they are protected.

IDAP is based on a co-ordinated effort by a number of agencies, including Probation and Police, and requires co-operation between all the Criminal Justice agencies. Often, women’s groups and charities like Victim Support also involved – this partnership approach allows us to build up a comprehensive picture of the offender’s behaviour, and decide on the most suitable kinds of intervention.

Some Key Facts

• Approximately half of all rapes are by a husband or partner. 
• When a man is violent to his partner there is 70% chance he will also be violent to his children. 
• 34% of murders of women are by a partner/ex partner. 
• In 68% of cases, children witness the assaults on their mother. 
• Every week in the UK, 2 women are killed by current or ex-partners. 
• Domestic Violence accounts for ¼ of all violent crime. 
• On average a woman will be assaulted by her partner or ex-partner 35 times before reporting it to police. 
• Domestic Violence occurs regularly among people at all income levels and among people from all ethnic backgrounds. 
• A quarter of all women have experienced Domestic Violence