Evening 'classes' for violent men

Men on the course must first recognise their behaviour is violent

Evening classes have been set up to teach men how to stop being violent towards their partners.

The Freedom Programme for Men claims to be the first permanent project of its kind in north Wales.

Starting in October, it will be run by the Denbighshire Family Support Team and the county's Domestic Abuse and Personal Safety Forum.

Men who acknowledge being abusive will be taught in 12-week courses how to try and change their behaviour.

The programme is open to men over 18, subject to being assessed and approved by social services beforehand.

Domestic abuse co-ordinator Michelle Davidson-Beck said: "It is a course for men who have recognised their behaviour is abusive or detrimental to their partners or families.

"They may want to go somewhere to address their issues, but have not gone down the route of the criminal justice system.

"To do nothing is not an option, so if somebody recognises their behaviour is having a genuinely devastating effect on their family, this can be the first step to making some small progress."

For more details, contact Michelle Davidson-Beck on 01824 708033, or Steve Hogg on 01824 708317.