ARC Programme: An innovative, faith-based intervention programme for both men and women–that works!
Acceptance
Repentance
Confession
Break the intergenerational transmission of violence. Find healing for yourself and your relationships.
What we do
ARC Programme offers 3 main services to the public and institutions
Programme
A relationship violence intervention programme for men and women who are struggling with intimate partner violence, also referred to as gender-based violence. Developed and designed by Dr Delia Bernardi. It is faith-based and backed by empirical evidence.
Pastoral Counselling
Empower your spiritual journey and well-being with our tailored Christian counselling services in a safe space, providing compassionate guidance and support for life's challenges.
Workshops
We offer workshops or training on intimate partner violence, commonly referred to as gender-based violence as part of our primary prevention strategy. This is to create awareness and how to address this problem.
The ARC Programme
By Dr Delia Anastasia Bernardi
An intervention programme designed to stop intimate partner violence (IPV)/gender-based violence (GBV). The programme accommodates both female and male perpetrators, as well as couples who often experience bidirectional abuse. It is faith-based and falls within a biopsychosocio-spiritual framework. The programme endorses a Three-tenet Intersectional Trajectory Model (TITM) as a causational and remedial explanation for IPV. The TITM takes into account the interconnectedness and interaction of a myriad of risk factors. The model suggests a specific path or course of events that leads to IPV and emphasises the dynamic and evolving nature of partner abuse. Consequently, a transdisciplinary and multiagency collaboration in response to IPV prevention is advocated.
Tenet 1: Insecure Attachment & Learning Theory
For example, complex trauma emanating from witnessing IPV and/or child abuse.
Tenet 2: Adverse Situational Factors
For example, unemployment, stress, substance abuse and jealousy.
Tenet 3: Weak Internal & External Control Mechanisms
For example, low self-esteem, little faith, lack of self-control, structural violence, societal bonding deficits and ineffective law enforcement.
Publications / Peer-reviewed Academic Journal Articles
ARC Programme is evidence-based. Have a look at the research by clicking on the see publications:
Partners and Contributors
Online Group Sessions
This is an open group format where clients can fall in with the group sessions at any point in time.
- Safe Environment
- Support Group Atmosphere
- Spirit-filled
- Supervised
- Insightful
- Educational
Call to end GBV and femicide – President Cyril Ramaphosa – SONA 2024
The Controversy Surrounding Discussions of Male Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
Bidirectional Violence – Prof Nicola Graham-Kevan
Male Survivors of Domestic Violence Abuse – Dr Liz Bates
Some Insights
Watch the following talk given by Leslie Steiner. She explains why domestic violence victims do not leave.
What our clients say about us
The ARC Programme can be life changing for some, here are some encouraging testimonies for you to look at:
Get In Touch
If you are in need of the ARC Programme, need pastoral counselling, would like to have us do a workshop for you or if you have any questions, click the button below.
