Respectful Relationships and Behavioural Reform Program

This 12-week program helps participants understand Domestic Violence, harmful relationship dynamics, emotional triggers, and the impact of violence on others.

Using evidence-based therapeutic models, sessions focus on accountability, empathy, and communication.

Participants learn practical strategies to manage conflict, regulate emotions, and build respectful, safe relationships in their personal and family lives.

Program Outline

Program Duration: 12 weeks

Delivery: Online via Secure telehealth platform.

Sessions: Weekly

Initial: 90 minutes

Sessions: 50 minutes

Evidence Base:

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT),
Attachment and Family Systems Theory,
Trauma-Informed Practice, Motivational Interviewing
The Duluth Model of Power and Control

Program Overview

The Respectful Relationships and Behavioural Reform Program provides a structured, therapeutic intervention for individuals who have engaged in or are at risk of engaging in family or domestic violence.

It focuses on increasing awareness of behaviour, understanding the impact of violence, building emotional regulation skills, and developing respectful and safe relationship patterns.

Delivered one-to-one, the program offers a confidential space for participants to examine attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours that contribute to harm.

It promotes accountability, empathy, and practical behaviour change in alignment with contemporary Australian justice and family safety frameworks.

This program is suitable for individuals referred through Family Court, Community Corrections, legal representatives, or self-referral.

Program Objectives

Increase self-awareness of power, control, and violent and coercive behaviours.
Build understanding of the emotional and physical impacts of violence on others.
Develop empathy, accountability, and self-responsibility.
Strengthen emotional regulation and conflict-management skills.
Replace harmful communication patterns with safe, respectful alternatives.
Create a personal safety and behaviour-management plan.
Provide verifiable participation and engagement evidence for court or referrers.

Program Structure

Phase 1 – Awareness and Insight (Weeks 1–3)

Focus: Understanding what drives behaviour.

Explore beliefs about gender, power, and control.
Identify emotional and situational triggers to violence.
Understand the cycle of violence and early warning signs.
Introduce reflective journaling and self-monitoring of thoughts and actions.

Phase 2 – Accountability and Empathy (Weeks 4–6)

Focus: Taking ownership and understanding harm.

Explore the impact of abusive behaviour on partners, children, and family.
Learn about trauma, fear, and the long-term effects of violence.
Reframe responsibility — moving from justification to accountability.
Develop empathy through guided reflection exercises.

Phase 3 – Emotional Regulation and Communication (Weeks 7–9)

Focus: Managing emotions and improving interactions.

Learn emotion-regulation strategies and impulse-control tools.
Explore anger vs. underlying emotions (fear, shame, rejection).
Build assertive and respectful communication skills.
Develop conflict-resolution and boundary-setting techniques.

Phase 4 – Behavioural Change and Relapse Prevention (Weeks 10–12)

Focus: Sustaining respectful behaviour.

Identify high-risk scenarios and relapse triggers.
Develop a personal safety and accountability plan.
Strengthen problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Plan for ongoing personal growth and community engagement.
Program completion review and certificate of participation.

Assessment Tools

K10 Psychological Distress Scale – tracks mental health and emotional wellbeing.
DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale) – measures stress and mood patterns.
Conflict Resolution Styles Inventory – identifies communication and control tendencies.
Session Reflection and Behaviour Change Logs – weekly tracking of insight and progress.
Readiness to Change Questionnaire – measures motivation and engagement level.

Participant Activities

Self-assessment and reflection journals.
Guided worksheets exploring values, respect, and harm awareness.
Scenario-based learning around conflict and communication.
Behaviour tracking and weekly self-reports.
Final review and 90-day maintenance plan.

Program Outcomes

By the conclusion of the 12-week program, participants will have:

Demonstrated insight into the underlying causes of abusive, violent or controlling behaviour.
Demonstrated accountability for past actions and their effects on others.
Developed the capacity to manage emotional triggers and conflict constructively.
Established respectful, non-violent communication skills.
Increased empathy and understanding of the experiences of partners and children.
Reduced risk of re-offending or relationship-based conflict.
Completed a personalised safety and behaviour-maintenance plan.
Built readiness to engage safely in family, community, and legal settings.

Reporting and Outcomes

At completion, participants receive:

A Certificate of Completion acknowledging engagement and attendance.
A Clinically Reviewed Report outlining participation, insights, progress and outcomes.

This program demonstrates proactive rehabilitation and supports consideration for bail, sentencing, or community supervision outcomes.

With signed consent or court order, attendance verifications can be provided directly to the participant’s lawyer, Police or community corrections officer, or the court.