Suffolk domestic abuse programme helping perpetrators change harmful behaviour
The programme works with people who have acknowledged their behaviour and want to stop causing harm.
A Suffolk programme supporting domestic abuse perpetrators to change their behaviour has seen more than 50 people complete its six-month course since launching in 2021.
The Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Unit (DAPU), run by Suffolk Constabulary and funded by the Home Office and the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, is voluntary and offers one-to-one behavioural change sessions for both men and women who recognise they have used abusive or harmful behaviour in relationships.
"78% of those who complete the course have not reoffended"
“Our programme lasts roughly around six months and consists of around 20 sessions that we complete one-to-one with them.”
Behavioural change caseworker David Wattley said the programme works with people who have acknowledged their behaviour and want to stop causing harm.
This year, 12 people have completed the programme, bringing the total to 52. Almost 130 people have engaged with DAPU so far, and around 30 are currently active or in the process of joining.
According to Suffolk Police, 78% of those who complete the course have not reoffended.
Participants either self-refer or are referred by professionals such as social workers, probation officers, the NHS or the police. The programme is not linked to any court order.
"I was treated like a human being and not judged”
Wattley said many participants respond positively to being asked about their experiences and motivations, something they may not have encountered before.
“Normally it’s going to be the police that turn up and want to just know what happened, what they did and give them their consequences,” he said.
“Whereas our approach is… it might be the first time that somebody’s actually asked them: How did you feel in this moment? How did you get to this point? How long have you been feeling like this?
We come from a non-judgmental approach. We’re not there to make people feel bad or to shame people, but we want to try and help and give them new skills and new tools.”
Suffolk Constabulary has shared feedback from participants, with one saying:
“Completing the programme has taught me a lot about myself… change doesn’t happen overnight, it requires consistency, self-reflection and small, manageable steps.”
Another said:
“I liked that I was treated like a human being and not judged.”
Taking responsibility
Detective Sergeant Sarah-Jane Primmer said the programme aims to shift thinking by placing responsibility on perpetrators to address and change their behaviour.
“The DAPU programme compels perpetrators to take responsibility for their actions and commit to change,” she said.
“It aims to shift the societal focus from why doesn’t a victim leave to why doesn’t an abuser change their ways?”
Support for everyone involved
The programme also supports victims, partners and children, including safety planning and education around healthy relationships. A dedicated Independent Domestic Violence Advisor works with children where required.
“It’s really important that whilst we work with the perpetrator, we also offer support to partners and children,” D/Sgt Primmer said.
After completing the six-month programme, the caseworker remains in monthly contact for a further half-year to monitor progress and offer help if needed.
The DAPU is open to anyone aged 18 and over and has access to interpreters and translation services.
Those wishing to seek help can contact Suffolk Constabulary’s DAPU team at [email protected]
or call the Respect Phoneline on 0808 802 4040.
Victims of domestic abuse can call the 24-hour Suffolk Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0800 977 5690.