Probation and Trusts to offer Domestic Violence Programme in Ballymena
The Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) has announced that it will be running the Men Overcoming Domestic Violence (MODV) Programme in Ballymena from 12 April 2005 in partnership with Social Services and Women’s Aid. PBNI has delivered the Programme since 1997 for adult perpetrators of domestic violence.
The aim of this 6 month intensive intervention programme is to realise change in participants’ negative behaviours by increasing their understanding and focusing on the consequences of their acts of violence. The programme further provides the participant with information on how to change abusive behaviour by exploring non-controlling and non-violent ways of relating to women.
Domestic Violence accounts for 25% of all violent crime in the UK, however less than 35% of domestic violence is reported. It is estimated that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
MODV is delivered in Ballymena in partnership with Causeway and Homefirst Social Services Trusts. Women’s Aid contribute to assessment and also offer support to partners where appropriate.
MODV has been independently evaluated by the University of Ulster at Magee. The research demonstrated that the programme has a significant positive impact on the attitudes of perpetrators which support violence towards women. Monitoring and supervision of individuals is often continued post completion of the programme as PBNI recognises that offender rehabilitation is a long-term process.
The Probation Board for Northern Ireland works to reduce re-offending by supervising offenders in the community. It aims to help reduce crime and the harm it does.
If you would like further information about the MODV programme please contact the Antrim Probation office on (028) 94428475.
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Media contact: Lisa Maginnis, PR & Communications Officer, PBNI, on (028) 90262407/07979 758011 or Email lisa.maginnis@pbni.org