TEMPER (DOMESTIC VIOLENCE)

Overview

Temper (Domestic Violence) is a UK-registered charity with the charity number 1081139. The organization is dedicated to addressing domestic violence by working with both male and female abusers through counseling services and intensive group programs.

Mission and Activities

Temper focuses on providing therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing domestic violence. Their approach includes the "Heart of England Model," which emphasizes emotional regulation and the development of empathy. This model is designed to help individuals understand and change their abusive behaviors within the context of couple relationships. The programs also consider the impact of violence on children in affected families.

Program Structure

Courses are conducted in small groups, typically no larger than eight participants, and are facilitated by both male and female facilitators. The group sessions are held on weekends to accommodate working individuals, requiring two weekends to complete, usually spaced three to four weeks apart. This structure allows for intensive therapeutic engagement while maintaining accessibility for those with weekday commitments.

Approach and Effectiveness

Temper!'s approach recognizes that behavior change is possible through structured intervention. While critics argue that behavior changes slowly, Temper highlights the rapid societal adaptations observed during the COVID-19 lockdowns as evidence that behavioral shifts can occur swiftly under the right conditions.

The organization reports high completion rates for their programs, with over 90% of men and more than 95% of women completing the course. However, due to financial constraints, there is a lack of comprehensive research into long-term outcomes. Despite this, anecdotal evidence suggests positive impacts, such as several children being placed with parents who have completed the program.

Criticisms and Controversies

Temper!'s model has faced criticisms, including concerns about the speed of behavioral change and the perceived low cost of the program, which some confuse with a lack of quality. Additionally, there have been misunderstandings about the inclusion of support elements for partners, which are indeed part of their services but not widely publicized.

Addressing Gender in Domestic Abuse

Temper acknowledges that domestic abuse is perpetrated by both men and women, highlighting that the proportion of abuse by women has significantly increased over recent decades. This recognition aligns with statistics indicating a rise in reported abuse by women, emphasizing the need for inclusive programs that address all forms of domestic violence.

Conclusion

Temper (Domestic Violence) is a proactive charity committed to addressing domestic violence through structured, empathetic, and accessible interventions. Their focus on both emotional regulation and behavioral change reflects a holistic approach to combating abuse, recognizing the complexities and gender dynamics involved in domestic violence situations.

[1] https://www.thehotline.org [2] https://temper.me.uk [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1081139&subid=0 [4] https://temper.me.uk/outcomes [5] https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/temper-domestic-violence