This free Respect 1-1 Programme Manual is a comprehensive, evidence-based intervention guide designed for professionals working individually with people who have used domestic abuse in relationships. Developed with input from Respect, NOMS, and the Caledonian Development Group, this manual provides a structured pathway to support accountability, self-awareness, empathy, and long-term behavioural change.
This manual offers a session-by-session programme, complete with activities, handouts, and reflection tools that help clients understand the roots of abusive behaviour, develop non-abusive coping strategies, and learn how to build safe, respectful relationships.
Core sessions include:
Self-awareness & signals – recognising emotional triggers, early warning signs, and strategies like time-out
Values & identity – exploring personal values and the gap between “me at my best” and “me at my worst”
Family history & social learning – understanding the influence of family, peers, and role models
Thoughts, feelings & behaviour – using CBT approaches to challenge harmful thinking patterns
Conflict resolution skills – active listening, de-escalation, and constructive communication
Understanding why people abuse – exploring functions of power, control, and emotional avoidance
Minimisation, denial & blame – tackling avoidance tactics and promoting accountability
Parenting & the impact on children – recognising the ripple effects of abuse within families
Building empathy – developing compassion for partners, children, and others harmed
Intimacy & respect – exploring healthy sexuality, boundaries, and alternative routes to closeness
Substance use & abuse – recognising links between addiction and domestic violence
Additional sessions cover specialist areas such as working with fathers, ex-servicemen, and men affected by substance misuse.
Who it’s for:
This manual is written for practitioners, probation officers, counsellors, domestic abuse workers, and social workers delivering one-to-one interventions. It is also a valuable resource for training, supervision, and professional development in domestic abuse prevention and behavioural change work.
By following the programme, practitioners can help clients move from denial and control towards accountability, empathy, and non-violence, ultimately promoting safety for survivors and children.
This is a structured, evidence-informed guide for working individually with domestic abusers, supporting long-term behaviour change and safer relationships.
