Men who are violent towards their partners often dismiss questions like these. Do you think of your own violence as a ‘one off' or ‘just one of those things'?

It isn't.

If the answer to any of the above questions is ‘yes' and do nothing is done about it, the situation will get worse.

This page will explain more about the programme and what is expected of you.

What is theCDVP programme?

The programme, run by the Thames Valley Programmes Team, is tailored to men who have been convicted of violent attacks on their women partners (domestic violence).

It is also for those convicted of offences that stop short of direct violence but which have the same intention. This includes offences such as malicious phone calls, threats to kill or kidnap and other threatening behaviour.

It can form part of a Community Order or a post-release prison licence.

What will I have to do on the programme?
You will work in a group of up to 12 people whose offences are also linked to domestic violence.

This will be led by specially trained probation staff. The focus will be on your violent behaviour and the attitudes that support it. You will learn to develop non-abusive ways of behaving.

You will have to:

• Identify thinking errors, beliefs and attitudes which results in violence
• Learn how to manage negative emotion
• Learn skills to help you cope with behaviour in difficult situations
• Set personal goals for the programme, motivate yourself to change and actively take part in the programme
• Take responsibility for your own behaviour

How long will the programme last?
There are 26-28 groupwork sessions. You will meet your
Supervising Officer for individual sessions before and after the groupwork, to prepare you for the sessions and to look at what you've learned.

Each session will last about two hours. You will have to attend at least one session a week.

How will I know if I have made any progress?
You will be assessed at the beginning and at the end of the programme.

From this you will see what progress you have made.
It will also help us to see how well we have helped you.

Another assessment may be done with you a few months after the programme.

Your supervising officer will also review your progress with you.

What happens if I miss a session?
You must attend all the programme sessions if you want to complete the programme successfully. You must contact the probation staff as soon as possible if you are not able to attend a session.

You may be allowed to continue if you attend a catch-up session to go over what you have missed. You will only be allowed to do this once.

If you miss two or more sessions without a good reason you will be returned to court.

The probation staff will decide if you have a good reason or not.

You will also be returned to court if you behave unacceptably or turn up late.

What happens if I am ill and cannot attend?
If you are ill you must provide a doctor's sick certificate. You must give this to the probation staff within five working days of your missed session.

Do I have any rights while I am on the programme?

Staff and other men on the programme will question your choices and behaviour but will not judge you as a person.

You will be treated fairly and equally and with dignity and respect. You will be expected to behave just as fairly to other people.

Any information disclosed during groupwork sessions is subject to confidentiality. We do use information for research purposes within the Probation Service (in accordance with Data Protection Act guidelines).

Your permission will be sought if the information is released to others outside the agency.

The service will not allow racist, sexist or other disrespectful behaviour from any person under our supervision.

You can make a complaint if you feel you have been treated unfairly or unreasonably. You should try and talk about this with the probation staff first, or their managers.

If you are not satisfied with the response you get, then you can write to the Chief Officer at:

Thames Valley Probation Area
Head Office
Kingsclere Road
Bicester
Oxon
OX26 2QD

What if I have any questions or problems?
If you have any questions or problems, please ask the programme staff, who will try to sort things out for you.