Silence the Violence & Face It
Silence the Violence (STV), and its youth-version Face It, is a social learning cognitive-behaviour programme based on therapeutic methods leading to pro-social behaviour-change, self-awareness and pro-social identity on the part of participants. It is an intervention that additionally reduces violence and changes anti-social behaviour contributing to a reduction in violence/assaults whilst offering longer term positive effects on reducing re-offending with other supports. It is well-suited to the needs of individuals facing significant personal barriers in their lives such as serving offenders and ex-offenders resettling into the community.
The programme contains 10 modules of 2-3 hour facilitated sessions (usually run over 5 days) incorporating both individual and group attention. It is followed-up with 1:1 support and can incorporate additional group work and/or “booster” sessions pre-release. Silence the Violence benefits from a well-structured manual, making it replicable across the prison estate, while the process allows for individualisation and participant-led learning. STV incorporates the following methodologies and approaches:
- Group Therapy & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Developmental/Strengths based approach
- Coaching, role-play, problem solving, emotional management and conflict resolution
Unique to the UK
- High-impact, short duration course
- Unique blend of techniques and supporting theories to effect significant individual change
- Meets standards contained within NOMS PSO 4350 “Effective Regime Interventions” and has approved status
- Compliant with international “What Works: Reducing Reoffending” criteria
- Shown to reflect evidence of Good Lives Model and Post Traumatic Growth approach to desistance
- Strong evaluation and independent data shows the programme has a significant impact on improving pro-social behaviour and coping skills while and reducing violence and aggressive tendencies.
Learning Outcomes include
- Recognition of high risk situations including techniques to avoid or cope with them & triggers to aggressive behaviour
- Ability to recognise the three levels of violence and greater awareness of their damaging effects
- An understanding of violence and its origins
- Improved listening skills and greater empathy for others
- Development of Emotional Intelligence
- Enhanced self expression and self awareness
- Improved relationships
- Improved self-care and motivation
Target Audience
- Males and females with a history of violent offending
- Vulnerable young people in schools, PRUs, colleges, YOT supervision and/or other services
- Offenders in custody (children, youth, adults): rehabilitation or pre-release programme
- Ex-offenders in resettlement programmes or part of existing support networks