A SCHEME is being launched in Bishop Auckland to re-educate men who abuse their wives, partners or children.

Twelve men with a history of violent behaviour are being offered weekly sessions with four trained advisors.

All of those taking part will be men who understand the consequences of their behaviour and want to change.

The men can volunteer to take part or attend as a condition of a prison release licence or of a community punishment or rehabilitation order.

A similar scheme proved successful when it was tested last year in Darlington.

Domestic abuse is defined as being any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse.

Fiona Nichol, from Wear Valley Women's Aid, said: "The programme is purely for men who have been abusive in their relationships with women, and the aim is to reduce the risk to their partners, their ex-partners and their children.

"It is about re-educating them to change their behaviour and end the violence.

"They learn the impact of their behaviour on their partners and children and take responsibility for their actions."

The programme is also supported by Durham Police and family support organisation Sure Start.

Before they are accepted on the course, the men will have been assessed during a two-hour interview.

Ms Nichol said: "The important thing is that they accept the impact of their behaviour and they want to change.

"There are no guarantees that the men who attend will stop being violent or abusive, but it is only likely to be effective if the perpetrator is prepared to confront his behaviour and the attitudes and beliefs that underpin his violence and abuse.

"Abusive men are all ages and from all walks of life."

The programme consists of 32 weekly sessions lasting 90 minutes on Monday nights.

Women whose partners are enrolled will be offered a place on a separate Freedom educational programme as well as a telephone helpline, one-to-one support and other information.

Telephone 07768-368119 in confidence.