New programme launched in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to target domestic abuse perpetrators
Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston says prevention is better than cure
A new programme aimed at changing the behaviour of the highest-risk domestic abuse perpetrators is being launched across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
The Drive Project will see specially trained case managers work one-to-one with high-risk perpetrators for several months, with the aim of helping them manage their emotions and relationships differently while disrupting opportunities for abuse.
Darryl Preston, the county's police and crime commissioner, said the programme is about stopping abuse before it happens.
"This is intensive work with perpetrators, people who commit domestic abuse, to make sure that we actually try and prevent that from happening in the future," he said.
"Quite often, perpetrators of domestic abuse won't just attack one person, one woman, one girl, it could be a number, so I'm fully supportive; prevention is always better than the cure."
Support posts for survivors
The project is being delivered as part of a multi-agency partnership involving Cambridgeshire County Council, Peterborough City Council, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the Probation Service.
Perpetrators will be identified and referred through multi-agency arrangements, with support tailored according to each individual's level of risk.
Survivors will also receive additional emotional and practical support, with two new posts being created within the county's Independent Domestic Violence Advisor services, hosted by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council.
"This is a pilot and I'm all for trying new things; it's been tried elsewhere in the country as well (and) early sights are, it works, not in all cases," Mr Preston said.
"And if those people, the perpetrators of domestic abuse, don't want to engage, they'll be dealt with."
New scheme 'different' to others
The programme is funded by the Home Office and forms part of the Government's strategy to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.
Jonathan Hussey, managing director of Red Snapper Managed Services, said the organisation was proud to be delivering the project in the area.
"Drive holds the people causing harm to account, disrupting their behaviour and, wherever possible, changing it for good," he said.
"As a former probation officer, I have seen what happens when high-harm perpetrators go unchallenged.
"This model is different because it combines intensive case management with the full weight of the partnership, from the Constabulary to local authorities and specialist services."