When it comes to tackling domestic abuse, the focus has often been on supporting survivors and providing safe spaces for those affected. While this support is essential, an equally important aspect of the solution is addressing the root causes of abuse—by engaging with perpetrators.
Behaviour change programmes offer an opportunity to prevent future abuse, create safer communities, and break cycles of violence.
The role of behaviour change programmes
Behaviour change programmes for perpetrators of domestic abuse aim to challenge and change harmful attitudes and behaviours. These programmes focus on increasing awareness of the impact of abuse, exploring underlying issues like control, power dynamics, and emotional regulation, and teaching new ways of responding to conflict.
Without this intervention, abusive patterns often go on to reoffend and, in some cases, create generational cycles of violence and abuse. By addressing the root causes of abusive behaviour, these programmes provide an essential tool for long-term prevention.
Source: Respect | Home
Breaking the cycle of abuse
Abuse goes beyond isolated incidents—it is a pattern of behaviour designed to gain control over another person. The emotional, physical, and psychological impacts on the survivor can be devastating. If left unchallenged, these behaviours can continue, escalating over time and spreading to any future relationships.
By engaging with perpetrators through behaviour change programmes, we aim to stop the cycle of abuse before it can continue or worsen. Many perpetrators have grown up in environments where abuse was normalised, and they may not recognise the harm they are causing. Programmes provide an opportunity for self-reflection, helping perpetrators understand their actions, develop empathy, and adopt healthier relationship behaviours.
Source: Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline
Prevention through early intervention
Preventing domestic abuse before it occurs is always the best solution. Early intervention with perpetrators—before abusive patterns become entrenched—can reduce the likelihood of violence and coercion continuing. Behaviour change programmes often focus on recognising the early warning signs of abusive behaviours, addressing them in a non-punitive way, and providing alternatives that promote respect and equality in relationships.
These programmes aim not only to protect the current victim but also to prevent future harm to others. By engaging with perpetrators, we can reduce the overall incidence of domestic abuse and create a healthier future for all involved.
Source: How to Protect Children From Domestic Abuse | NSPCC
Why is prevention important?
Domestic abuse is a devastating problem that affects families, communities, and society. Every year, countless people experience physical, emotional, and financial harm as a result of abuse. In addition to the immediate damage, the long-term consequences for survivors—especially children—are profound.
Prevention through behaviour change is key to ending this cycle of harm. It is far more cost-effective to prevent abuse than to manage the long-term impacts on survivors, children, and communities.
Behaviour change programmes are an investment in the future, helping individuals learn to respect boundaries, communicate effectively, and resolve conflict without resorting to abuse.
Source: American Psychological Association (APA)
Supporting behaviour change: what works
Not all perpetrators are the same, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Effective behaviour change programmes are tailored to the individual, their experiences, and the dynamics of their relationship. Successful programmes often include:
- Therapeutic intervention: Addressing emotional triggers and underlying issues such as anger or trauma.
- Group therapy: Providing a space for perpetrators to learn from others’ experiences and reflect on their behaviour.
- Ongoing support: Ensuring that perpetrators receive continuous support to maintain positive change over time.
- Accountability: Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their actions and understand the harm they’ve caused.
These elements can help create long-lasting change and prevent further abuse.
Source: Respect | Home
The path to a safer future
By engaging perpetrators in behaviour change programmes, we take a crucial step towards breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. While support for survivors remains critical, it is equally important to address the behaviours that fuel violence and control.
Prevention is always the best option, and with the right interventions, we can create safer communities for everyone. By tackling the problem at its source, we can reduce the long-term impact of domestic abuse and ensure a better future for generations to come.
Together, we can support those who perpetrate abuse to change their behaviours, reduce harm, and foster healthier, more respectful relationships.
Support in Somerset
If you are concerned about your behaviour towards a partner, ex-partner or close family member support is available from the, Respect accredited, Engage Programme:
- Call: 0800 69 49 999 (8am–8pm, 7 days a week (including bank holidays).
- Live chat at https://somersetdomesticabuse.org.uk/
- Email SIDAS@somerset.gov.uk
In an emergency: Dial 999. If speaking puts you at risk, stay silent, tap the phone, and press 55 when prompted.
For those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, register with emergencySMS.net to text 999 in an emergency. If you use British sign language (BSL) you can go to 999 BSL for a BSL interpreter.
