Hull’s Strength to Change programme which works with perpetrators of domestic violence has received top accreditation.
The programme supports men to find the strength to stop domestic violence by giving them real-world advice and practical tools to help stop violence in the home.
And now, Respect has awarded the Hull City Council programme its first accreditation following a lengthy training process with key members of staff working in the domestic violence team.
This accreditation recognises the work specialist teams do with perpetrators of domestic abuse, and understands the sensitivities concerned with this particular line of work. It also ensures that all Respect accredited services are held to this standard to ensure only safe and effective work with perpetrators of domestic abuse takes place.
Councillor Mike Thompson, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities, said: “We understand that there has been a surge in domestic abuse nationally during the pandemic, and we want to remind people that our services are available for those that need help and support.
“Working with perpetrators of domestic abuse sometimes has the potential to increase harm to survivors, and that’s why our dedicated team is committed to making sure that only safe work with perpetrators is carried out, by ensuring it is accredited to the highest standards.”
All accredited services are required to go through an audit every three years or when there have been any drastic changes to the way they operate. Respect Accreditation certification is only valid when a service has passed their accreditation assessment and re-assessments.
Strength to Change was assessed to meet level 1, and then continued to level 2 which is an optional process. The team at the council wanted to apply for level 2 to ensure they was benchmarked against the most challenging standards in order to ensure they were achieving and providing the safest services possible to victims and their children.
They pulled together and worked through a very lengthy service audit, providing over 180 documents as supporting evidence. The Respect auditors then spent three full days with the team interviewing all staff, managers and service users.
Councillor Thompson said: “I’d like to thank our very dedicated staff for taking part in this challenging process to ensure that they are delivering the highest level of support. I would also like to thank our partners for the support they provide.
“We are now one of only a few perpetrator programmes nationally to have achieved this high standard.”
