What is Choose2Change?
Relate Coventry's Choose2Change service delivers a group perpetrator programme to men who have been abusive in intimate relationships, along with a support service for the partners/ex-partners of men engaging with the service.
I am benefitting because I can see where I have been going wrong. I hope to carry on learning when I finish the programme .
Does Choose2Change work?
Over 90% of clients who fully engage with the service report a reduction in domestic abuse incidents. Men who attend Choose2Change report an increased understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on women and children and are better able to manage conflict non-abusively. Their partners report increased self-worth and feelings of safety. We hold one-to-one sessions and group support with the aim of understanding and motivating individuals towards achieving positive relationships.
How we manage risk
Both elements of the service work together to gain a full understanding of risk in each case and put in place a robust risk management plan. The service plays an active part in the multi-agency response to domestic abuse providing information about perpetrator risk and engagement at MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences) and Safeguarding arenas.
Before I was not engaging or understanding the impact on my partner and my children. I now have a lot more empathy and I am focused on their needs.
What are unhealthy behaviours?
It’s normal to have disagreements and get into arguments with your partner from time to time. If you’re causing your partner physical or frequent emotional harm, it’s time to seek help.
An unhealthy behaviour is a direct action that intimidates your partner and makes them feel scared or anxious. It could be hitting, kicking, shouting, criticising them, or subjecting them to emotional or financial abuse. It could be preventing them from seeing friends or family.
Unhealthy behaviours may be motivated by feelings that aren’t normal in a relationship, such as extreme jealousy and anger.
How can we help?
Our facilitators offer support without making judgements about how you’ve treated your partner, or what motivated your behaviours.
We encourage story-sharing and cover topics such as trust, negotiation, sexual respect, and parenting.
Our programme is accredited by national organisation Respect.
My partner has learnt loads since going to Choose to Change and he felt supported throughout the course.
Who can we help?
We currently deliver groups for men who have relationships with women.
If you attend a behaviour change programme, your current partner or ex-partner can receive free, integrated support in the form of talking therapy or anything we’re able to deliver that makes them feel comfortable. It’s voluntary and completely flexible depending on their preferences.
Support for partners
Ensuring the safety of victims of domestic abuse is the top priority of Choose2Change. The programme extends support sessions for the partner/ex-partner to ensure they understand the initiative.
I now don’t feel frightened at all, he’s like a new person.
How to get in touch
Call us on 02476 225863 or email c2c@relatecoventry.org We accept self-referrals and referrals from agencies. We ask that you discuss the referral with your client prior to sending any details so they are aware and consent to engaging in the service.