Essex Change is a
CAFCASS Contact Activity Provider of
Domestic Violence Prevention Programmes (DVPP)
Covering the following Counties:-
Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertforshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire
Please click link to download a referral form in word format www.essexchange.org/files/contact_activity_dvpp_referral_form.docx
Please click to download DVPP Faqs www.essexchange.org/files/dvpp_faqs.pdf
For more information on CAFCASS click www.cafcass.gov.uk
What is a DVPP?
It is a structured 27 week programme for abusive men and associated women’s support service.
It is aimed at men who are abusive to their ex or current partner and it aims to:-
· Increase the safety of women and children
· Help men to stop their abusive behaviour
· Give men the opportunity to understand why they use abusive behaviour, how they can change this and work towards constructing respectful relationships with women
What it is not
It is a not an anger management programme. The programme is designed to specifically address domestic abuse in all of its forms.
Who can attend?
Any Magistrate or Family Judge working with contact issues can make an order for a man to be assessed and participate in a DVPP.
All men will undergo an assessment to determine whether they are suitable for the group work programme. When we assess men, we look at the following factors:-
· Is the man motivated to change?
· Does the man show commitment to the programme?
· Does the man’s attendance on the programme pose further risk to his partner or ex-partner?
· Is the man aware of his responsibility and accountability for his behaviour?
If the man is unsuitable for the programme, we will inform the Court of why he was found to be unsuitable. If the man is suitable for programme, he will be allocated a place on programme, where available.
What if the client does not attend sessions?
The Court will be informed.
What feedback does the Court get?
We will provide the Court with a mid-way and post report regarding the men on programme. This report will inform the Court of the man’s attendance and participation on programme. Please note that the DfE funding does not allow provision of any additional reports. Should these be requested we will require payment from the client or clients representative.
When and where?
The Essex Change programme is a rolling programme, so men can join at anytime throughout the year. We currently have programmes running in Harlow, Colchester and Chelmsford and may run further programmes in other areas, such as Basildon and Southend, depending on demand. All sessions are held in the evening.
The programmes are facilitated by a male and female tutor. Each session is for 2 ½ hours. Each group will have a maximum of 10 men attending.
Who else is supported?
The partners and ex-partners of men attending the group work programme are offered 1:1 support by our Women’s Support Service. The Women’s Support Service aims to:-
• Increase physical safety, emotional and mental well-being of women and children
• Promote realistic expectations with women regarding the (ex) partner’s attendance on the programme
How do we refer?
A CAFCASS Approved referral will need to be completed with the supporting documents
· COURT ORDER
· SECTION 7 REPORT
· DASH – RISK IDENTIFICATION CHECKLIST
The referral will not be accepted if the supporting documents are not provided and if ALL details are not completed, particularly the CAFCASS worker’s details and the referred man’s ex and/or current partner details in full. Please DO NOT provide us details of solicitors details for the ex partner of the referred man instead of her contact number.
The client does not live in Essex?
If we are your closest DVPP Contact Activity Provider then you can refer men regardless of where they reside.
The client is not in a relationship?
The client does not have to be in a relationship.
Who funds the programme?
All work carried out is funded by the Department for Education.
I have more queries!
Please give us a call on 0845 372 7701 or contact us by email at admin@essexchange.org