Brighton & Hove’s Living without Violence Programme, which helps men address violence and abuse to their female partners alongside a service to support women and children, has been accredited by Respect.

Respect oversees perpetrator programmes across the UK and has developed rigorous standards to ensure safe practice and quality of delivery.
 
It is the first community-based programme in the UK to be accredited in recognition of its good practice and quality of service.
 
To get accreditation, services have to satisfy 105 different criteria, with a focus on skilled practitioners, strong partnerships and clear structures, policies and procedures.
 
Councillor Dee Simson, cabinet member for community affairs and inclusion, said:
“The programme was able to show how it really makes a difference, helping abusive men change their behaviour while at the same time making sure partners, former partners and children are safe.
 
“The project is delivered by a small team of dedicated staff. They thoroughly deserve recognition for their service to families suffering domestic violence.”
 
To date, the programme has received over 300 referrals with more than 50 men completing the full 36-week programme and a further 43 men attending part of the course. More than 100 women partners and ex-partners have received support from the women’s safety worker.
 
The Living Without Violence Programme, launched in 2004, is part of the Partnership Community Safety Team. The programme also has close links with the Clermont Unit which specialises in child protection, and Rise (formerly the Women’s Refuge Project), to provide a citywide service.
 
Groups meet weekly at the Clermont Unit and the Whitehawk Valley Social Centre as part of a rolling programme.

Last year the programme was independently evaluated. It showed that it is effective in changing participants’ attitudes around relationships and has resulted in reducing incidents of violence as well as lowering alcohol and substance misuse.  Partners and ex-partners report that they value the support they receive as it assists them in making positive decisions for themselves and their children.
 
The Living without Violence Programme is funded by Brighton & Hove City Council.
 
For more information about Brighton and Hove Council view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk