Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS) has announced that its Open2Change programme will be independently reviewed by the University of Worcester, renowned for its expertise in trauma and violence prevention. This thorough evaluation could position Open2Change as a national example of best practice for domestic abuse intervention.
The programme, launched by SDASS in 2021, is designed to tackle the root causes of domestic abuse by working directly with individuals who have shown abusive behaviour. Open2Change engages participants in one-on-one behaviour change sessions, encouraging self-reflection and accountability. By reducing re-offending rates and minimising harm to victims and families, SDASS aims to make a significant impact on domestic abuse prevention in the region.
With the government prioritising efforts to combat violence against women and girls, SDASS’s initiative aligns with national efforts to increase understanding of abusive behaviours and offer earlier intervention options. The comprehensive evaluation will assess Open2Change’s success in addressing reoffending and improving the wellbeing of those involved, with hopes that the research findings will contribute to future improvements and potentially influence policy.
Louisa Wrighton, Open2Change Manager at SDASS, spoke of the significance of the review: “While we know that many Open2Change participants have made meaningful changes in their lives, research-backed evidence is essential for refining and advancing our programme. Tackling abusive behaviours at their roots is crucial if we are to create a society free from abuse.”
The evaluation will be led by Dr Beverley Gilbert, a Senior Lecturer in Violence Prevention, Trauma, and Criminology at the University of Worcester. With 30 years of experience across policing and probation, including roles as a Detective Family Protection Officer and a contributor to the Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme, Dr Gilbert brings deep expertise to the project. “Our work will explore how SDASS’s methods engage participants and drive genuine change,” she shared. Dr Gilbert also lectures on public health approaches to violence prevention and has co-authored training materials for the international Work with Perpetrators Network.
The study will also examine how Open2Change can continue evolving to meet the needs of the community, offering insights to other organisations and agencies tackling similar issues.
For more information on SDASS and Open2Change, visit www.swadomesticabuse.org.
