Provide group work addressing perpetrators behaviour and attitudes relating to their domestic abuse or sexual violence

This standard is about your ability to provide and facilitate group work which involves perpetrators of domestic abuse or sexual violence.
Perpetrators on group work will only be those assessed as suitable to attend such a programme.

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1. prioritise objectives and plan group work for perpetrators to make the best use of time and resources
2. check that arrangements and resources for group work with perpetrators considers the safety and well-being of all participants
3. agree aims for group work with perpetrators in line with your role and responsibilities
4. confirm that perpetrators who attend group work sessions:
   1. have been assessed as suitable for group work
   2. are permitted to attend
5. agree with perpetrators the ground rules for their participation in group work including rules of confidentiality
6. identify any barriers or concerns of perpetrators and others involved about achieving the aims of group work
7. agree with perpetrators:
   1. how concerns and barriers should be addressed
   2. criteria to monitor and evaluate the success and impact of group work
8. confirm that those involved in delivering group work understand and are competent for their roles
9. check those involved in delivering group work are briefed in advance in line with organisational requirements
10. facilitate group work in line with available guidance, and in ways which:
    1. encourage full involvement of all perpetrators
    2. are responsive to the needs of perpetrators
11. challenge and address any attitudes or behaviours which may propagate abuse using appropriate communication methods and techniques
12. work with groups of perpetrators, in ways which:
    1. encourages them to take control of their behaviour
    2. support them to identify actions to achieve control of their behaviour
    3. encourages individuals to share open and honest feedback about group work
13. involve perpetrators in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of group work and activities
14. identify aspects for group work development with perpetrators involved in line with organisational policies and procedures
15. address areas of group work development identified by perpetrators involved
16. provide reports to relevant others about perpetrators progress on group work programmes in line with organisational policies and procedures
17. maintain up to date records in line with organisational policies and procedures

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1. legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role, the role of others in your organisation and the activities being carried out
2. the relevant national and local guidelines, policies, and procedures available and how and when they should be accessed
3. range of agencies and services you may work with
4. your organisation’s roles, objectives, remit and services for addressing domestic abuse or sexual violence
5. the limits of your authority, responsibility and professional competence
6. what constitutes domestic abuse or sexual violence, and its prevalence in your local community
7. signs of abuse and the methods used by abusers to gain power and control
8. the impact of abuse upon all of those affected by it, including individuals and dependents
9. how dependents may be used by abusers as part of their abuse
10. how cultural, social and gender related aspects impact upon domestic abuse or sexual violence
11. how intersectionality impacts on how an individual experiences services
12. the role of other agencies and organisations who provide support, services and interventions to address domestic abuse or sexual violence in your area
13. the relevant assessment processes used in determining perpetrators’ suitability for group work and how to apply these
14. the limits of assessment processes, and how they are dependent upon the perspective and information available
15. acceptance criteria for perpetrators’ attendance of group programmes
16. sources of information regarding perpetrators with whom you are working and how to access these
17. methods of verifying and corroborating information
18. how to distinguish between directly observed evidence, evidence from reliable sources and hearsay
19. what is meant by group work and the importance of group dynamics in managing such activity
20. the importance and limitations of group work in promoting changes in the behaviour of perpetrators of domestic abuse or sexual violence
21. understand different trauma responses and their impact
22. the importance of agreeing specified aims for group work
23. resources required for group activities
24. how to obtain group work resources within budget and time requirements
25. the importance of programme design within group work
26. potential barriers to effective group working and methods for addressing these
27. ways of encouraging perpetrators to participate and to ask questions
28. the importance of monitoring activity for conflict and how to address this
29. effective ways of monitoring and evaluating group work activities and how to involve perpetrators in doing so
30. methods and techniques for recognising achievement and acknowledging success
31. how to provide constructive feedback to perpetrators
32. sources of information, guidance and support for:
    1. facilitating group work
    2. working with perpetrators
33. range of communication styles and techniques available including when and how to alter them
34. how different cultures use and interpret body language in different ways
35. the importance of being aware of your values and beliefs and the impact your values and beliefs may have when working with perpetrators and individuals
36. how to challenge discriminatory or potentially damaging attitudes and behaviour and the importance of doing so
37. common barriers to communication and ways to overcome them
38. sources of support and supervision available to you as a practitioner
39. when support may be required and how to access it
40. the limits of confidentiality applying when dealing with perpetrators
41. circumstances where it is necessary to inform others about perpetrators including when you have concerns for the safety of others due to the perpetrator’s behaviour.

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Domestic Abuse
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.
The abuse can encompass but is not limited to, a combination of psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse.
This definition also includes so-called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage. Children also experience domestic abuse when witnessing domestic abuse.
Intersectionality
The interconnected nature of social categorisations such as race, class, and gender, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage
Needs led approach
a way of working to ensure that the support offered to someone experiencing domestic abuse is offered based on their needs and that builds on their strengths and resources available to them. It recognises the knowledge they have of the person who is using abuse. With the rights the non-abusive person can build their independence, recover from the trauma they have experienced and gain their life back and source change that lasts
People at risk
An individual who is defined as in need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability, risk of abuse or neglect
Sexual Abuse
Undesired sexual behaviour by one person to another. This is often carried out by force or be taking advantage of the other person This term is generally used when the sexual behaviour is regular or over a prolonged period of time.
Sexual Assault
Any unwanted sexual behaviour that a person has not consented to.
This can range from rape to voyeurism or exhibitionism, to unwanted touching above or under clothes.
Sexual Violence
Similar in nature to Sexual Abuse, but this term is more often used to describe brief or single incidences, such as if sexually assaulted by a stranger.
Strength based approach
Is an approach to working with individuals that recognises their strength to overcome their experiences
Trauma Informed
an approach to health and care interventions which is grounded in the understanding that trauma exposure can impact on a person. Practitioners in a way so as to not inadvertently retraumatise impacted individuals; and with an emphasis on client safety, choice, collaboration and empowerment.

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3

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2028

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Justice

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SfJEF202

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Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

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3229

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sexual; domestic’ individuals; risks; behaviour; communicate; attitudes;

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