Northern Ireland

Domestic abusers to be referred to `behavioural change programme'

The Department of Justice is piloting a Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programme (DVPP) as part of a dedicated court in Derry, presided over by Judge Barney McElholm
The Department of Justice is piloting a Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programme (DVPP) as part of a dedicated court in Derry, presided over by Judge Barney McElholm The Department of Justice is piloting a Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programme (DVPP) as part of a dedicated court in Derry, presided over by Judge Barney McElholm

VIOLENT offenders convicted of domestic abuse against their partners or ex-partners will be referred to a 'behavioural change programme' before sentencing.

The Department of Justice is piloting a Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programme (DVPP) as part of a dedicated domestic violence court in Derry, presided over by Judge Barney McElholm.

Judge McElholm has warned that domestic violence is "insidious" and "poisons generation after generation", calling earlier this month for greater emphasis on rehabilitation to stop offenders continuing the same patterns of behaviour after they are released from prison.

"I would like to see domestic violence being addressed in a very serious, co-ordinated and methodical way," he said, reflecting that he sees cases "every day" in Derry Magistrates Court and it "cannot be allowed to continue".

"I have sent someone to jail, who was in front of me for a domestic assault, for a six-month sentence. They were out in a couple of months' time. What has changed?

"We have to be far more imaginative and innovative. Our legislators need to look at the entire situation. You need a combination of custody and rehabilitation, such as perpetrator programmes, designed specifically for people who have served a period of custody."

Thirty offenders will be selected for the programme and their progress will be "closely monitored and reviewed".

To qualify, defendants must have pleaded guilty or been found guilty and will undergo an assessment by Probation Board NI (PBNI) to assess their suitability.

PBNI will deliver the programme and the offenders will be supported by a Women's Aid `Partner Link' worker while undertaking it.

Defendants will return to open court for regular review hearings with the judge and if they re-offend or breach bail whilst on the programme, it will be noted by the judge and considered "on a case-by-case basis".

Progress on the programme will be taken into account when determining an offender’s sentence.