Aggredi programme
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Finland
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Name
Aggredi programme |
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Target audience
Violent extremists |
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Organisation
HelsinkiMissio |
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Objectives
Reduce violent behaviour among young adults who have committed acts of street violent |
Description
The Aggredi programme is based on meetings involving one-on-one discussions between a client and a programme worker (RAN, 2018). There are no group discussions. The meetings last from one to two hours and, on average, they are held once a week. The nature of a discussion may be motivational or therapeutic, or it may be a crisis discussion aiming to restore the client’s functional ability. Discussions aim to establish a dialogue on the client’s circumstances. The dialogue is based on respect for the client’s own perceptions and interpretations, while also introducing new perspectives to help the client begin to understand their situation and their own actions so as to reduce the risk of resorting to violence. Instead of focusing on identifying the reasons for violence, the discussions aim to consider with the client how to resolve various situations without violence.
The objective is for the client to improve their ability to weigh the consequences of their actions and the way that these are linked to a criminal lifestyle. The programme also aims to refer clients to other services as required to arrange for housing or income, treat substance abuse problems, etc. The number and schedule of the Aggredi discussions are not specified in advance. Typically, a client relationship with the Aggredi programme is terminated by common agreement or by the client’s own decision.
The target group consists of 18 to 39-year-olds who are suspected or have been convicted of serious acts of street violence, and who are concerned about entering a downward spiral of violence. When a client starts the Aggredi programme, it is necessary to ensure that they are ready to speak about their issues and work towards changing their circumstances. If the client is not ready to do so, the process will not begin. There are no other strict conditions for participation. By way of example, sobriety is not required; nor does a new violent offence automatically lead to exclusion from the programme.
Clients include:
The Aggredi programme is based on meetings involving one-on-one discussions between a client and a programme worker (RAN, 2018). There are no group discussions. The meetings last from one to two hours and, on average, they are held once a week. The nature of a discussion may be motivational or therapeutic, or it may be a crisis discussion aiming to restore the client’s functional ability. Discussions aim to establish a dialogue on the client’s circumstances. The dialogue is based on respect for the client’s own perceptions and interpretations, while also introducing new perspectives to help the client begin to understand their situation and their own actions so as to reduce the risk of resorting to violence. Instead of focusing on identifying the reasons for violence, the discussions aim to consider with the client how to resolve various situations without violence.
The objective is for the client to improve their ability to weigh the consequences of their actions and the way that these are linked to a criminal lifestyle. The programme also aims to refer clients to other services as required to arrange for housing or income, treat substance abuse problems, etc. The number and schedule of the Aggredi discussions are not specified in advance. Typically, a client relationship with the Aggredi programme is terminated by common agreement or by the client’s own decision.
The target group consists of 18 to 39-year-olds who are suspected or have been convicted of serious acts of street violence, and who are concerned about entering a downward spiral of violence. When a client starts the Aggredi programme, it is necessary to ensure that they are ready to speak about their issues and work towards changing their circumstances. If the client is not ready to do so, the process will not begin. There are no other strict conditions for participation. By way of example, sobriety is not required; nor does a new violent offence automatically lead to exclusion from the programme.
Clients include:
- Those planning school or mass killings;
- Gang members, right-wing-orientated perpetrators;
- Offenders across the spectrum of religious extremism.