Hull Strength to Change

START is a voluntary community safety initiative, providing a domestic abuse perpetrator programme (with integrated partner support) in the Hull area. START is solely for young men between the ages of 16 and 17. We work in a multi-agency context in Hull to help men develop skills to reduce and eliminate their abusive behaviours.

START provides an individual programme for domestic abuse perpetrators and support, safety planning, advocacy and optional therapeutic support for partners and (ex-) partners of the men on the programme, as well as links to support for children.

The START programme consists of two phases of work

Initial Assessment - up to 3 sessions (although this can be extended depending on need) of 1 hour duration to assess client suitability and motivation for the programme, and any other factors that might impact upon successful completion.

Individual Work - 10 sessions. Themes covered in individual sessions -

• Defining Abuse (What’s OK, What’s not OK?)
• Anger Management (Tension and Resentment, Early Warning Signs)
• Costs, Benefits and Effects of Abuse
• Hopes and Goals
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Understanding Abuse
• Sexual Respect
• Conflict Resolution
• Jealousy
• Role Models
• These themes will be revisited and reinforced throughout the programme, in addition to other themes

Integrated Partner Support Service - The Partner Service provides information, advocacy and therapeutic support for partners/ex-partners of the men on the programme. Service provision includes safety planning work for partners and their children; raising awareness around domestic abuse; education/information about the risks of children’s exposure to domestic abuse; information sharing about perpetrator progress and authenticity. This support is optional and is not a prerequisite condition of the partner/ex-partner being able to attend the programme. The perpetrator agrees not to hinder any contact with partners/ex-partners.