The Circuit Breaker program builds and maintains community safety through several strategic approaches:
Through these methods, Circuit Breaker not only addresses immediate safety concerns by teaching individuals how to manage their anger but also works towards a long-term culture of safety within communities by fostering environments where these skills are continually reinforced and valued.
reduces the potential for violent or aggressive behaviors that could threaten community safety
Core Focus: The program primarily teaches individuals tools to manage their temper and resolve conflicts in a healthy manner. By equipping people with these skills, the course directly reduces the potential for violent or aggressive behaviors that could threaten community safety. Group Environment: Participants learn in a group setting where they can share experiences and support each other, fostering a collective understanding and practice of non-violent communication and conflict resolution.
Prevention of Domestic Violence:
Early Intervention: Circuit Breaker isn't a domestic violence perpetrator program but focuses on early prevention by addressing anger issues that might lead to violence. By helping individuals change their behaviors before they escalate, it indirectly promotes safety within families and, by extension, the community. Community-Based Delivery: The program is delivered by various community organizations, including churches and schools, ensuring that these skills are disseminated where they are most needed, directly impacting community safety.
reduces the likelihood of destructive behaviors
Skill Development: Participants gain practical skills not just for anger management but for building stronger relationships and communication. This empowerment reduces the likelihood of destructive behaviors that undermine community safety. Facilitator Training: By training facilitators from within the community, the program ensures that the skills and knowledge are continuously available, promoting long-term safety culture.
Sustainable Support
Ongoing Support: The course structure encourages ongoing engagement through group activities and support, which helps maintain the skills learned over time. This continuous learning and practice environment ensures that participants don't revert to old habits. Community Networks: The program builds a network of individuals who have undergone the training, creating a community resource for support and accountability in maintaining safe behaviors.
Anger Management
Core Curriculum: The program provides tools and strategies for managing anger, which is crucial for offenders who might have issues with aggression or impulse control. By teaching participants to handle their anger constructively, it addresses one of the root causes of criminal behaviour. Behavioural Change: The course aims to help participants "unlearn" harmful responses to anger and replace them with healthier behaviours, directly contributing to personal rehabilitation.
Conflict Resolution:
Skill Development: Participants learn how to resolve conflicts without violence, which is essential for changing how they interact with others, particularly in situations that might previously have led to criminal acts. Empathy and Communication: Enhancing interpersonal skills through group discussions and role-playing can lead to better relationships, reducing the likelihood of reoffending due to social conflicts.
Group Support
Peer Learning: The group-based nature of the program allows for peer support, where participants can learn from each other's experiences, fostering a supportive environment for change. Accountability: Being part of a group can provide a sense of accountability, encouraging participants to adhere to the new behaviors learned.