The centre is unique in that it works with the family as a whole rather than women in isolation. Each resident is allocated a key worker who helps them draw up a personal care plan to address their problems. The centre also offers courses in subjects such as raising self-esteem, dealing with domestic violence, life and parenting skills.

Residents hold weekly meetings to organise activities for the week, including housekeeping and cooking duties. The atmosphere is friendly and homelike and birthdays and special occassions are celebrated with group activies.

As they near the end of their stay, the women begin education or voluntary work in the community in order to ready themselves for life outside. When the programme ends the women are helped into safe housing and are offered aftercare for as long as it is needed.

Trevi can cater for women who are on a court order or who have just been released from prison, although most women who use the centre are not offenders.