Perpetrator Services Liz Jones Domestic & Sexual Abuse Coordinator Oxford City Council

Perpetrators  Mostly male  Misuse of power and control  Various theories as to why they are abusive

Mental Health & Perpetrators  40% of males attending a community based programme disclosed some form of mental health  The most common was depression- 64%  Also reported, PTSD, paranoia, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, BPD, ADHD and OCD  2% reported attempted suicide  3-5 times more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety than non-abusers  Victims are far more likely to suffer mental health problems because of domestic abuse

Mental health & Perpetrators  Depression and threats/attempts to commit suicide or self harm are risk factors in domestic violence including homicide  Can be used as an excuse and therefore avoid responsibility  Belief that treatment will solve the ‘problem’

How Do We Work with Perpetrators  Generally we focus on victims and/or children  Criminal Justice System  Child Protection Plans  DVPN/O and Disclosure Scheme  Orders – Restraining, occupation, non- molestation  Perpetrator Programme

Perpetrator Programmes  Mandatory – through the criminal courts - Building Better Relationships  Voluntary – based in the community - different models  Mirabal Report

ProgrammeAreaTelephone Making Changes – group work & 1:1 M&F Oxfordshire & West Berkshire Fresh Start – 1:1 and group work M&F Buckinghamshire (1:1) & Milton Keynes (group) Family Choices – 1:1 M&F Reading & Wokingham www.berkshirewomensaid.org DVIP – group work and 1:1 M&F Slough Within Children’s Social Care – Nick Young 1:1 Bracknell

Thank you. Liz Jones