ARC Programme – Intimate Partner Violence Intervention
A new way to approach IPV / GBV
A myriad of factors contribute to partner abuse and it is important to recognise this. We are advocates for male victims of partner abuse, and support a multidisciplinary and multiagency collaboration, in conjunction with a family, community and church response towards prevention.
Our Story
The ARC Programme was founded on the profound personal and professional journey of Delia Bernardi, whose life experiences and extensive research have shaped a unique and impactful approach to addressing intimate partner violence (IPV). Delia’s commitment to this cause stems from witnessing violence between her parents throughout her childhood, and enduring abuse herself for many years. Her personal struggles and the aftermath of abuse drive her commitment to helping others break free from abusive behavioural patterns.
Delia’s academic journey includes a doctoral study which focused on IPV and intervention. She was awarded a National Institute of Humanities and Social Science (NIHSS) scholarship, which earned her a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. This opportunity allowed her to revisit, test, revise, refine and evaluate the ARC programme, ensuring its effectiveness in helping families overcome the challenges of IPV.
Awards and Grants
CRIMSA Best Presentation: Emerging Researcher
Awarded August 2023
NIHSS Best Paper Award
Awarded November 2020
National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (Scholarship)
Awarded November 2020
Our Vision
We envision a world where individuals struggling with abusive behaviour, regardless of their backgrounds or past experiences, are provided with the support and resources needed to break free from the grip of this pervasive social affliction. We strive to create a nurturing and safe environment where clients are valued and empowered through meaningful change and transformation, fostering the eradication of intimate partner violence towards both women and men.
Our Mission
Our mission is to offer a comprehensive intervention that guides perpetrators to recognise the detrimental impact of their actions on society, victims, and themselves. We promote accountability and the cultivation of healthy relationships, aiming to disrupt, for instance, the intergenerational transmission of violence. By fostering resilience, we aim to positively impact families, communities, and ultimately the nation. We firmly believe in the possibility of ending violence and paving the way for individuals to live vital and victorious lives.
Why ARC?
Faith-based
Integrating faith in a remedial strategy opens a gateway for validation, where clients are seen, heard, valued and empowered.
Evidence-based
The design, development and evaluation of ARC has stretched over a decade. Studies make a compelling case that ARC works!
Multidisciplinary
We support a multiagency collaboration in conjunction with a family, community and church response towards the eradication of violence against women and girls—and men and boys.
High Success Rate
As an example, among 20 court-referred assault clients, only one client was referred back the to court for non-compliance, demonstrating minimal attrition, with charges dropped for the remaining 19.
Our Services
Programme
The intervention programme that is conducted online. The course is divided into 8 sessions.
Partners and Contributors
Our Team
Meet the ARC Programme team
Delia
Founder and Developer of ARC & Facilitator
Angelo
Bible Teacher & Facilitator
Amba
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