Name: The Bridge

Start date: 2004/05

End date: 2005/06

Project Lead: Suzanne Gibbon

Lead Organisation: Relate Coventry

Project description / summary:  The Bridge was a Domestic Violence perpetrator project within Relate Coventry and delivered the Integrated Domestic Abuse Project (IDAP).  IDAP was a community based, integrated case management and group work programme designed to reduce offending by adult male domestic violence perpetrators; the victims of whose offences are women. It is based upon the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (DAIP) located in Duluth, Minnesota, USA.

The IDAP aimed to contribute directly to the wider community safety agenda in relation to domestic violence.  It directly promoted and required co-operation and inter-agency working with statutory agencies (including National Probation Service, Police, Crown Prosecution Service, the courts and Social Services - and non-governmental organisations (women’s and children’s services). The programme aimed to prioritise and centralise women’s and children’s safety.

The project delivered a 27 week, 9 modular programme to non mandated male perpetrators and provided an integrated support service for women and children. The programme was accredited and sets out and delivers best practice standards validated by RESPECT(UK) and DELUTH(USA).

The project was designed to be city-wide but was committed to develop and deliver in the New Deal areas. It contributed to the NDC as a unique and proactive service working directly with perpetrators and their families/partners. It contributed to the NDC's aims of improving quality of life for families and reduced domestic violence repeat incidents thus reducing the overall levels of reported crime.

The aims of the project were:

• to reduce perpetrators dangerousness;
• Increase understanding of abusive behaviour
• Increase motivation to change.
• Women and children who were victims and/or survivors of domestic violence were be safer and had access to significant support and safety planning.

Funds Granted: £35,400