MEND

MEND (men ending domestic abuse) is a project of the Men’s Development Network which delivers Domestic Violence Intervention Programmes to men who have been violent or abusive within the context of their intimate partner relations. Men referred or self-referring to the programme begin with a few assessment meetings to establish their suitability for the programme and their level of risk. If accepted onto the programme they complete up to 10 one-to-one pre-group sessions before beginning 23 group sessions of the Choices Programme, which contains 6 modules. Group sessions are 2 hours in length and take place weekly in the evening.

MEND Programmes are delivered in Waterford, Wexford, Carlow/Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Laois/Offaly, and Kildare. The programmes are funded by the Department of Justice and Equality.

The project also provides an integrated partner support service for the partners or ex-partners of the men on the programme.

Target Groups: Men, aged 18 years and upwards, who have been abusive or violent to their partners.

Eligibility: Men who acknowledge their behaviour is problematic and take some responsibility for it and have some motivation to change.

How to access: Self referrals and referrals from agencies. Referrals can be submitted on-line or downloaded and posted to the MEND office in Waterford. Referral forms are available on-line through the MEND webpage. Please note that women cannot refer their partners.

Geographical remit: Referrals are accepted from men who can attend in Clonmel for the necessary appointments and evening group sessions.