Change is possible.
We know it takes courage and commitment to acknowledge that your behaviour has been abusive and harmful, and to seek the help you need to change it. We understand how anxious you might be feeling when you first get in touch — and we want to assure you that you will always be treated with respect.
Our aim is to support the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved — and to enable you to achieve loving, responsible and fulfilling non-abusive relationships with current, future, or past partners, and with your children.
Many of our clients say that their work at Ahimsa has helped them feel more at ease with themselves, more able to handle difficulties in life in a helpful way, and to have a deeper sense of connection to themselves and those around them.
Our aim:
What the programme involves
Our Respect-accredited Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme (IDAP) combines individual one-to-one sessions with group work over 30 weeks. It's built on mindfulness and honest self-reflection — not a tick-box exercise, but a genuine process of change that takes time and commitment.
The main themes of the programme include:
Understanding and taking responsibility for your behaviour
Dealing with conflict and emotional regulation
Partnership, relationship and communication
Responsible parenting
Sexual relationship and consent
Everything we do is guided by four principles: taking responsibility, being honest about your emotions, approaching yourself and others with empathy, and finding creative ways to change.
How it works — step by step
First, we'll have a few assessment sessions to understand your circumstances and make sure the programme is right for you.
You'll then move into around six to eight individual one-to-one sessions before joining the group.
The group then runs for thirty sessions. Many clients tell us the group work is the most powerful part — you're alongside others in similar situations, and the peer support is real.
Who can take part
To be suitable for the programme, you need to:
Be 18 or over
Recognise that your behaviour has been harmful and want to change it
Be willing and able to commit to regular attendance and honest engagement
Aim to keep alcohol and substance use to a level where you can manage your thinking, feelings and behaviour
We work with people of all genders and sexual orientations — in heterosexual, gay, lesbian and transgender relationships.
Who we're unable to support
We are unable to take referrals if you:
Have been sentenced to a Community Order with a Building Better Relationships requirement
Are on bail or going through the court process for a domestic abuse related offence
If you're unsure whether the programme is right for you, please call us — we'll talk it through with you.
What happens with your partner or ex-partner?
Our programme is integrated - which means that as part of the referral process, we ask you to pass on the contact details of your current partner and any ex-partners, including those with whom you have children or where children have or are seeking contact.
A dedicated team will reach out to those individuals to offer them information, support, and safety advice. Their work is kept completely separate from yours - but our teams communicate closely to manage risk and understand the full picture of what's happening.
This integrated approach is essential to how we work. It means your partner's safety and wellbeing is supported independently of what you do on the programme. Partners can access support whether or not you complete the programme.
Referred through the court or statutory agencies?
Some people come to us through statutory referral routes — MARAC, police, probation, social services, or CAFCASS. If that's you, the same programme applies, and the same integrated offer of support goes to your current or ex-partner.
For CAFCASS clients: information about self-referrals in the context of child arrangement order proceedings is available on the Respect website.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We start with assessment sessions to check suitability. You then attend around six to eight one-to-one sessions before joining the group. The group runs for thirty sessions. We understand it can feel daunting to join the group for the first time — but most clients feed back that they found the group work the most beneficial part, because you receive peer support from people in similar circumstances.
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If you're abusive in your relationship and you recognise a need to change that behaviour, this programme is for you. If you're unsure, call us — we'll help you think it through.
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We always work with the principle that you are 100% responsible for your own abusive behaviour, regardless of how others behave towards you. This is the most helpful and empowering approach because it keeps the focus on what you want to achieve. You'll be supported to find more helpful ways of dealing with difficulty in relationships.
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Our programme and all face to face work including group work and (ex) partner support takes place in our office in Plymouth. We provide our services to the Devon and Cornwall area.
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Everything is treated confidentially with the partner support worker, unless there is a concern for the safety of an individual or a safeguarding concern, you will always be informed if there is any concern.
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For self-referrals, we use a sliding scale based on your income. Sessions start from £5 for those on benefits or a low income, up to £70 for the highest earning bracket.
If you've been referred through a social services, there is no cost to you.
Call us on 01752 213535 to find out more — we won't let cost be a reason not to get help.
Professional referrals
Find out more about making a professional referral to our Behaviour Change programme here
Call Us
01752 213535
Not sure if Ahimsa is right for you? Call us and we'll talk it through — whatever brings you here.
