Course evaluations from our Non-violence Programme

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Our Non-violence Programme is where most of the people who use violence start their work with RISE. You often read stories in the media about people who use violence and that they ‘did a stopping violence course.’ They are probably talking about a course similar to our Non-violence Programme.

What attendees in our Non-violence Programme get out of it varies for each person. Some people we never see again and we know they have benefitted tremendously. Others we see again and some multiple times; change is a process and for some it can take a long time. Still, we can tell by the course evaluations that attendees fill out that what they learn is useful and offers tools they take away with them to use for life.

Everyone is asked to fill out a confidential evaluation of the Non-violence Programme. Below are recent results that capture 29 participants who were self-referrals (not mandated by Family Court or Corrections) and 35 evaluations returned from mandated clients. Of all clients, 50 people identified as men, 5 people as women, 0 people as gender diverse, and the remainder did not say:

• 95% somewhat or fully agree that the programme helped change their behaviour

• 84% somewhat or fully agree that the programme helped their whānau

• 94% somewhat or fully agree that the programme helped them understand better how violence affects children.

• 100% somewhat or fully agree that the programme gave them new skills to be part of safe and respectful relationships.

• Overall, 100% said the programme helped them.

Here are some of the comments we received at the conclusion of the programme.

“I loved the programme, [it] was so helpful, really got a lot out of it.”

“I’ve noticed I’m not saying as many hurtful comments, I don’t use things from the past as weapons anymore. It’s taught me to trust again and be more trustworthy.”

“Everything you have offered has helped immensely.”

“I found this program to be an amazing help towards my relationships.”

“A great place to go to give you the tools needed to help in various situations regarding parent, co-parenting, and in relationships.”

The main change/benefit from attending was “meeting people that are in the same boat as
me and also meeting new people, [which] helped me understand how my behaviour was.”

“You have to want to change and recognise your flaws to benefit from RISE.”

“That was a good experience.”