Violence Reduction Program (VRP)

Program Description & VRP Objectives:

The Violence Reduction Program (VRP), developed by Stephen Wong and Audrey Gordon, is a treatment programme designed to reduce the risk of violence for those in custody, forensic mental health facilities or under supervision in the community. 

The primary objectives of the (VRP) are to decrease the frequency and intensity of violent behaviors, to decrease or eliminate the antisocial beliefs and attitudes that support the use of aggression and violence, and to assist program participants to acquire appropriate interpersonal and cognitive skills that are effective in reducing the risk of recidivism, in particular, violent recidivism. 

The VRP is designed based on the Risk-Need-Responsivity Principles (Andrew & Bonta, 2003-2017) and recognizes that “One Size doesn’t Fit all”.  The VRP is delivered using a 3-Phase treatment model, which incorporates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. 

The VRP is anchored by way of 3 programme manuals: The VRP Facilitator’s Manual, the VRP Supplementary Manual, and the VRP Participant’s Workbook; all of which are available for purchase from Amazon.com or Amazon.com.au. 

Within the VRP, current risk and treatment readiness are assessed using the Violence Risk Scale (VRS, Wong & Gordon, 2000), which is also available from Amazon.com. 

Manuals for the Violence Reduction Program and the Violence Risk Scale manual can be obtained from  Amazon at the links noted below:  

• VRP Facilitator’s Manual

• VRP Supplementary Manual

• VRP Participant’s Workbook

• Violence Risk Scale (VRS), Second Edition

For further VRP information, please see:

Stephen C.P. Wong & Audrey Gordon (2013): The Violence Reduction Programme: a treatment programme for violence-prone forensic clients, Psychology, Crime & Law, DOI:10.1080/1068316X.2013.758981 

• VRS & VRP Sample References 

• VRP Questions & Answers 

For further information concerning the VRP or for VRP Training Information, please contact Stephen Wong (s.wong@sasktel.net) or Audrey Gordon (Audrey.Gordon@outlook.com).