Domestic abuse perpetrators' programmes & the DVPP standard — what the court orders
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-28
When the court wants change before contact
Where a parent's abusive behaviour is established on fact-finding (or accepted), the court doesn't simply say no to contact forever. It asks: can this parent change safely? The answer often runs through a DVPP.
What a DVPP is
A Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programme — a structured behaviour-change course for people who have been abusive, accredited to the Respect standard. Typical length: 20–30+ weekly group sessions, plus individual work.
- The programme addresses the beliefs and control patterns behind the abuse, not just anger
- It runs alongside support for the survivor (a children's worker and an ex-partner worker) — a Respect requirement that keeps the survivor informed and safe
- Completion is reported to the court; the court then reconsiders contact in light of the progress
How the court orders it
- Cafcass recommends a DVPP assessment at a CMH or after a fact-finding
- The court can direct attendance (often as an activity condition attached to a child arrangements order)
- Some parents self-refer via the Respect Phoneline 0808 802 4040 — a positive step courts notice
What courts actually see in the report
Programmes report on: attendance, engagement, insight shown, acceptance of responsibility, and (rarely) a behavioural change recommendation. Courts then weigh whether safe contact has become possible. It is not an automatic route back.
Honest framing
Completion helps a case; drop-out or denial hurts it. But no programme is a guarantee — the welfare checklist and risk assessment still decide. See our DVPP deep-dive for the full Respect standard and how to self-refer.
Official links
- Respect: https://respect.org.uk
- Cafcass on domestic abuse: https://www.cafcass.gov.uk
This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with Respect, Cafcass or gov.uk.
Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.