Wokingham

Wokingham Borough Council is pleased to announce it will be continuing to support a scheme that helps perpetrators of domestic abuse to change their abusive behaviour.

The purpose of Changing Ways is to enhance women’s and children’s safety. It is a free, voluntary programme for men who physically or emotionally abuse their partners. The Wokingham programme is open to any man aged 18 and over who accept he has been violent, abusive or threatening and who wants to change. Men can put themselves forward for the programme or be referred as part of an agreement with another agency, such as social services. The aim of the programme is designed to make women and children safer by making changing the behaviour of those responsible for domestic abuse.

The programme consists of 30 group sessions designed to help the men understand their behaviour and learn how to change – it is not a counselling service but instead concentrates on challenging and changing behaviour.

Wokingham Borough Council executive member for community safety Cllr John Kersley said: “Despite the Wokingham Borough being an extremely safe place, we are not immune from problems such as domestic abuse and that is why it is important for the council to support the Changing Ways programme in all its work. Changing Ways tackles the root cause of domestic abuse - the abuser’s attitude and behaviour – and tries to change that. Every success brought about by Changing Ways means one fewer man who is a risk to his partner and children.”

The Changing Ways programme is supported by Wokingham Borough, Slough, Bracknell Forest and Windsor and Maidenhead councils and any men living within these boroughs can refer themselves to the scheme by calling John Roberts on 07818 054 563. Agencies can also call John Roberts to refer men to the scheme.

Wokingham Borough Council community safety officer Carol-Anne Bidwell said: “We have been offering this service since 2007 and generally the feedback from those who have attended and their partners has been very good. Real, positive changes have been made in many relationships. We would encourage men who are abusive to their partner to reflect on their behaviour and face up to the things they have done. There may have only been one of two incidents where things have got out of control but that may be just the start of a pattern of behaviour that could escalate with disastrous consequences.”

Men may also be victims of domestic abuse and are also encouraged to come forward and seek advice and support. If you are concerned about a family member or friend, be they male or female, then Berkshire Women’s Aid is a charity that provides help and support for all victims of domestic abuse as well as refuges for those who can no longer remain in their own homes.

Anybody suffering domestic abuse (male or female) should call Berkshire Women’s Aid on (0118) 950 4003 (10am to 5pm weekdays, and outside these times in emergencies) or Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505505.

Wokingham Borough Council