I’ve written a lot in the past about the women – and a bit about the men – who experience domestic violence but until now haven’t had a chance to look at what’s being done to address offending behaviour.
There are programmes out there for people who behave in abusive and violent ways. A lucky few can self-refer through the likes of Relate, while others are sent on behavioural courses by the courts.
The problem is that all of these initiatives are inadequately funded and have long waiting lists – and as a consequence have to turn down many who would benefit.
As I found researching this piece for the current Big Issue in the North – a point that’s coincidentally made in this week’s Private Eye – some of those who need this help most are being forced to go without and are consequently continuing to be violent towards their partner.
And yet our government can find money to pay for weapons and illegal wars, and second homes and John Lewis toasters – not to mention poncey canapes and wines.