Programs for violent offenders

DCS delivers programs that address generalised violence as opposed to domestic and family violence.

They are:

  • The Violence Prevention Program (VPP) – a high intensity ten month program for offenders assessed as a high risk of violent re-offending.
  • Violence Prevention Program-me (VPP-me) – a high intensity 12 month program for offenders assessed as moderate to high risk of violent re-offending, who have been assessed as having an intellectual disability or acquired brain injury.
  • Violence Prevention Program – Aboriginal Men – a ten month program for offenders assessed as high risk of violent re-offending, and who are recognised as Aboriginal and prefer to engage in a culturally adapted program. Aboriginal offenders are also considered eligible for the VPP.
  • The Living Without Violence Program – a moderate intensity four month program for offenders assessed as being moderate risk of violent reoffending.

These programs address a range of treatment targets including:

  • substance abuse
  • emotional control
  • impulsivity
  • violent lifestyle
  • cognitive thinking distortion
  • relationship and social functioning
  • victim awareness and empathy, and
  • safety and self-management planning.

Offenders are assessed for suitability for this program after sentencing and an individual plan is developed.
This plan is monitored by case managers.