A key means of preventing an escalation of domestic violence matters during the COVID-19 lockdown has been dealt a major blow with the cancellation of men’s face-to-face behavioural counselling sessions. Anti-domestic violence campaigners say there is no substitute for the court-ordered group therapy, where abusers are confronted by peers. The two-hour meetings, which are normally attended by between six and 20 men over 26 weeks, were shut down last month. The forums are where emotions often overflow, tears are shed and anger vented within a controlled atmosphere, says Men’s Referral Service CEO Jacqui Watt. MRS has been operating nationally for … Continue reading Virus releases domestic violence brake