The Rehabilitation Programme "Violent Behaviour Management" Launched
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The National Probation Agency (NPA) is preparing to launch a perpetrators’ rehabilitation programme entitled “Violent Behaviour Management”. The programme’s beneficiaries are probationers convicted of violent crimes. The programme has been developed by the Rehabilitation Programmes Division of the NPA with the support of UN Women in the framework of the UN Joint Programme for Gender Equality (funded by the Government of Sweden). The programme will be implemented across Georgia. So far, NPA employees have undergone two specialized trainings, from 13 to 15 June and from 20 to 22 June 2016. Nino Tkeshelashvili, Advisor of the NPA Rehabilitation Programmes Division, spoke about the impressions of the trainees and future plans in terms of capacity-building of staff.
“The training topics derived from the Violent Behaviour Management Programme were aimed at the reduction of gender-based violence. Therefore, the training module covers clinical issues aimed at the reduction of violent behaviour and, ultimately, its elimination, as well as the modification of sexist and discriminatory conduct and the prevention of recidivism.
“It should be noted that the topics of the training were diverse and included knowledge and understanding of the legislative framework and presentation of relevant data and evidence, as well as the motivation of the trainees; the management of emotions, including anger management; and the identification of violent, aggressive sexual behaviour and understanding its implications. Special attention was paid to understanding gender equality, women’s and children’s rights, and consequences of domestic violence to all members of the family. A significant part of the training was devoted to the activities aimed at the prevention of recidivism and preservation of results achieved through preventive methods.”
“The employees of the NPA Rehabilitation Programmes Division, psychologists, and social workers, as well as a group of rehabilitation officers from the Rehabilitation and Educational Programmes Unit of the adult convicts’ facilities, have undergone the training. As you are aware, as soon as a beneficiary is registered with us, his/her risks and needs are assessed. A probationer is referred to a relevant specialist after the risk assessment. If a person has been convicted of a crime foreseen under article 126 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (violence), or if s/he has been identified as having a high risk of committing gender-based violence, the probationer is then referred to a psychologist, who will be guided by our programme in his/her work with the probationer. If a probationer requires a personalized approach, a psychologist will continue to work with him/her individually. However, if the specialists have determined that the probationer meets certain criteria within the programme, s/he will be included in a group led by a psychologist or a social worker. It should be noted that, for programme efficiency, it is important for the social worker to provide the beneficiary’s family with professional consultations that will empower the family to support their loved one’s commitment to the programme.
“When it comes to probation officers, it is important for them to take the training in order to properly identify the problem – i.e. elements of gender-based violence – and to refer the probationer to a proper specialist. As I have mentioned, some of the probation officers have already taken the training, and the others will have this opportunity at the next stage.”
Were the participants interested and engaged?
“The diversity of the topics covered at the training has garnered immense interest from the part of the participants, as evidenced by their high level of engagement, particularly in heated discussions. The majority of them noted that the training has met their expectations: it was interesting, productive and practical. At the same time, planning the programme simulation is also rather important to the participants; it will be conducted together with their direct supervisors. The simulation will result in an even greater depth of knowledge gained at the training, as it will allow the participants to test the material with their colleagues prior to their engagement with the beneficiaries.”
When will the programme implementation start?
“The pilot group of the programme will be launched in Tbilisi in July. The experience gained as a result of the pilot group will be used in simulation trainings scheduled for September 2016. After completing these processes and analysing the results, we will launch the programme throughout the entire country.”