An online training provider has developed the first smartphone application of its type aimed at people worried about their abusive behaviour towards their partner or family.

Ilkley-based e-learning company Virtual College worked with charity Lincoln Integrated Domestic Abuse Services (LIDAS) to produce and release free application Choose to Stop, which can be downloaded to any smartphone.

The app aims to give practical support to those worried about their own abusive behaviour, and shows how to recognise the signs of abuse, either in their own relationship or in someone close to them.

LIDAS works to support people who are experiencing, or have experienced, domestic abuse.

Among the services it offers are e-learning courses, and it also runs programmes for men and women who are abusing their partner.

LIDAS manager, Julia Rimington, said: “After the success of the ‘Reduce the Risk App’ for victims of domestic abuse, I’m really pleased we’ve developed an app that will hopefully help people who are worried about their own abusive behaviour, and change their attitudes and behaviour before it seriously damages theirs, their partner’s and their children’s lives.”

The app covers topics such as advice on ‘fair arguing’ and dealing with difficult situations without resorting to abuse. It also provides contact details for many regional and national support agencies.

The app has been developed under the banner of the Safeguarding Children e-Academy, a division of Virtual College. It specialises in learning for individuals and organisations who work with children, and also donates five per cent of its turnover to children’s charities.

Virtual College now has more than 890,000 online learners registered to its courses.