Aggression Replacement Programme

The Aggression Replacement Training programme is designed for those who are convicted of assault, or serious public order or criminal damage offences. The programme is available for male offenders only.

It is a new programme of intensive group work with offenders which has been evaluated by the Home Office and found to be effective in reducing re-offending.    

Research evidence suggests that many offenders characteristically lack a broad array of personal, interpersonal, social and thinking skills that collectively produce acceptable social behaviour. In particular they are impulsive and over reliant on aggression to attain goals. They also have poor self-control and are self-centred.

Aggression Replacement Training aims to enable offenders to communicate with others without resorting to aggressive behaviour. Offenders receive coaching in specific social skills such as making a complaint or making an apology. They also learn methods of anger management. This is a practical module intended to mirror real life situations that lead to angry feelings. Offenders practice self-control techniques with each other. In addition they are given weekly worksheets to practice these skills outside the group.

In addition, offenders are presented with moral dilemmas and are encouraged to debate amongst themselves. The aim is to improve their ability to think in more complex ways when presented with conflicts. Offenders are encouraged to make legally and socially acceptable decisions in all situations.

The programme requires attendance at 18 sessions (each 1 to 2 hours long) of intensive individual work with specially trained group leaders. Each session is video taped to ensure that the material and methods used meet the strict requirements of accreditation.