Fathers in focus: anti-violence training for a violence-free family life!

Fathers in focus: anti-violence training for a violence-free family life!

There has long been a serious issue in Cologne that is being addressed through various initiatives: violence in relationships. An outstanding example of this is the anti-violence training of the “drobs” specialist center for addiction and addiction prevention at the Diakonie in Lüneburg. This training is aimed at men who want to get their violent outbursts against partners and children under control. The program has been successfully implemented since 2008, funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Social Affairs. 29,000 euros are made available annually to enable training at eleven locations, which includes both an intensive examination of violent situations and the development of alternative courses of action, reports HNA.

The group typically consists of six to eight participants who meet weekly over a period of 26 weeks. The men come from a wide range of social backgrounds and age groups, from early 20s to over 60s. They bring personal experiences with aggression into the meetings and deal with topics such as communication patterns, role models and stress management. The positive response from participants about changes in their behavior and family life shows that such programs are urgently needed.

Diverse approaches to violence prevention

The approaches to combating domestic violence are varied and cover numerous aspects. Another notable program is “Contra Domestic Violence” (CHG), which is aimed at people who experience outbreaks of violence in their (former) relationships. The goal of this social training program is to break the cycle of violence and help participants take responsibility for their behavior. The CHG program is part of the Federal Working Group on Domestic Violence Perpetrators and is structured in a group dynamic that enables participants to work on various modules, ranging from emergency plans and communication strategies to biographical aspects, such as Grantorino describes.

With a group size of seven to twelve adults in gender-homogeneous groups, support among each other is also crucial here. The two trainers who lead the groups have basic pedagogical or psychological training. The program lasts six to twelve months and is designed to intensively address experiences of violence. The costs are covered by fine allocations or other financing models, with participants making an income-dependent contribution.

The responsibility lies with the perpetrators

Prevention measures are essential to change violent behavior in the long term. It is important to provide appropriate information about violence and to raise awareness. On Women against violence It is pointed out that responsibility for violence always lies with the perpetrators and not with the victims. Strong public awareness and the training of professionals are crucial to detect the signs of violence early and intervene effectively. Initiatives such as women's advice centers and emergency numbers give affected women the support they need to free themselves from violent circumstances.

All of these programs and measures help create a safe environment for everyone and raise awareness of domestic violence in society. Ultimately, it is a common goal: to show ways in which violence can be prevented and respectful cooperation can be promoted.