Focus on Respect
Respect is the UK membership association for domestic violence perpetrator programmes and associated support services.
Respect's vision is to end violence and abuse in intimate partner and close family relationships. The key focus is on promoting, supporting, delivering and developing effective interventions with perpetrators.
In 2008 after a three year consultation Respect launched the Respect Accreditation Standard. This document was supported by the Home Office, CAFCASS, The Association of Directors of Children's Services, Relate, Women's Aid, Refuge, and GLDVP as a statement of minimum standards for domestic violence intervention programmes working with perpetrators.
Accreditation was developed so that members of the public, funders, commissioning agencies and other professionals could be assured of a high quality, safety-focused service from organisations accredited by Respect. It provided a recognised framework for delivering programmes in many different ways, allowing skilled practitioners and effective projects to gain recognition for their work, to support safe practice.
As part of this process Respect received London Councils funding to work with member organisations in London to support them through the accreditation process and help them build capacity through referrals from the Respect Phoneline: 0845 122 8609.
This is a helpline offering information and advice to people who are abusive towards their partners and want help to stop, it runs Monday – Friday 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 5pm.
As part of this work, and in the run up to the 16 days of action for White Ribbon Campaign on 25th November 2009, Respect is launching posters in London aimed at ending men’s violence against women. The aim of the campaign is to encourage other men to support their friends who are using violence in their intimate relationships to seek support and we are keen to link with other agencies in London to collaborate on this work. If other groups have particular questions or would like me to come and speak about our work with them or at public events they are welcome to contact me by email or on the number below.
More information from the Respect website.
this page last update 12th November 2009