SWITCH

If you're worried about some of your behaviours and you want to take steps to change them, Gateshead Domestic Abuse Team also has a behaviour change programme which works with people who cause harm.

What SWITCH is

SWITCH (Safer Ways Informing the Choices at Home) is a behaviour change programme, delivered on a one-to-one basis, for people who have displayed abusive behaviours but are wanting to make changes by learning new coping strategies and techniques.

What the programme covers

During the programme, we will work with you to look at:

• what domestic abuse is
• coercive control
• sexual abuse
• minimizations, denial and blame
• core beliefs and gender roles
• feelings and emotions
• signals and warning signs
• impacts on children
• impacts on partners
• accountability, taking responsibility and empathy
• conflict resolution

The course runs for 16 sessions, usually weekly or fortnightly.

Referrals

You can access the service as long as you have a link to Gateshead, for example if your children live in the area, or if our social services team is supporting the family. You don't need to live in Gateshead yourself.

You can self-refer, or services such as social services, housing, or the police can make a referral on your behalf. 

For further information, or if you feel you would benefit from the SWITCH programme, please contact the Gateshead Domestic Abuse team:

0191 433 3333
[email protected]