Clackmannanshire Council Online

Ready for Change (Domestic Abuse Support)

Ready for Change (Domestic Abuse Support)

Ready for Change is a programme for men who want to change abusive or controlling behaviour in relationships. 

The programme aims to

• help men recognise abusive or controlling behaviour 
• support men take responsibility for their actions 
• improve communication and emotional regulation 
• reduce risk of harm to partners and children 
• support safer, healthier relationships 

The safety and wellbeing of women and children is the priority in this programme. Where it is safe and appropriate, support may be offered to current or former partners. 

This service forms part of Clackmannanshire’s wider response to domestic abuse.

This programme is for men

• who are concerned about their behaviour in a relationship
• who want to make positive and lasting changes 
• referred by Justice Services (for example, as part of a court order or community disposal) 
• who choose to self-refer and are willing to engage 

To take part, you must be willing to reflect on your behaviour and commit to change. 

Participants may be

• in a relationship
• separated from a partner
• fathers who want to improve their relationships with their children

Participation may be voluntary or part of a court order. 

All referrals are assessed to make sure the programme is suitable and safe.

For further information and support around further domestic abuse support, you can access the community directory or the Community Interventions and Support Directory - Community Justice Scotland. 

The Ready for Change programme includes group sessions and, where needed, one-to-one support:

Group Work 

You will take part in structured group sessions focusing on

• understanding domestic abuse and coercive control 
• recognising harmful patterns of behaviour 
• managing anger and strong emotions 
• building respectful communication 
• understanding the impact of behaviour on partners and children 
• taking responsibility for your actions 

One-to-One Support 

You may also have individual sessions to support

• personal reflection 
• understanding risks and support needs 
• goal setting 
• progress and review 

Partner support 

Where it is safe to do so

• support is offered separately to current or former partners 
• risk and safety planning is prioritised 
• information is shared carefully in line with safeguarding procedures 

Multi-Agency Working 

The programme works alongside

• Justice Social Work 
• Children and Families Services 
• Violence Against Women and Girls services 
• Police Scotland 
• Health and other partners 

This helps ensure a joined-up approach with safety at the centre. 

Step 1 – referral or self-referral 

You can

• be referred through Justice Services or the Court; or 
• contact the programme yourself and ask about taking part

Step 2 – initial assessment 

You will meet with a worker to

• talk about your situation 
• assess if the programme is suitable 
• identify any risks and support needs 
• explain what the programme involves 

You need to be willing to take part honestly and consistently. 

Step 3 – taking part in the programme 

If accepted 

• you will attend regular group sessions 
• you may attend additional one-to-one appointments 
• your progress will be reviewed regularly 

If this is part of a court order, your attendance will be monitored. 

Step 4 – completion and review 

At the end of the programme

• your progress will be reviewed 
• further support may be discussed if needed 
• if required, a report may be provided to the Court 

Self-Referral for Change Programme form

If you would like to self-refer to the change programme, you can fill out the form below: 

• Self-Referral for Change Programme form

If you would like more information or have any questions about this service or how it works, please call 01259 452200 and ask for The Programme, or you can text your name to 07549 115 326 and someone will text you back.  

Alternatively, you can email programme@clacks.gov.uk to start a conversation.