£800,000 secured for programme to reduce domestic abuse across Merseyside
It's hoped the money will be used to reach up to 400 first-time perpetrators over the next two years
Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner has secured more than £800,000 for a programme aimed at intervening early to tackle abusive behaviour.
'See the Signs' aims to tackle the behaviour of abusers, make them accountable for their actions, and work to stop them reoffending.
The specialist programme is focused on educating offenders on domestic abuse, the effect their behaviour has on partners and children and how to make better choices, teaching them to practice non-controlling alternatives and steer them away from abusive behaviour.
Organisations such as the police and social services will identify offenders they deem suitable for the programme - who will then be referred via the charity Causeway through their ReFocus service to the course.
It will be delivered by Speke-based service DMAT, who specialise in perpetrator programmes.
PCC Emily Spurrell said:
"Domestic abuse is never acceptable or inevitable. Intervening early is vital if we are to tackle it and prevent incidents from reoccurring or escalating and keep families safe.
"Securing this significant investment will enable the charity Causeway to identify more individuals whose behaviour has become abusive and divert them onto this programme which is focused on challenging and changing unacceptable behaviour.
"Making offenders accountable for their actions will enable them to address the things that trigger their unacceptable behaviour, changing mindsets and empowering them to make better choices. By educating and working with perpetrators, we can end the suffering of their partners and children.
"Ultimately this has the power to prevent harm and protect more families."
After they complete the course, the offenders will be given up to eight weeks of wraparound support to address any wider issues which may trigger their abusive behaviour - such as addiction, anger management and mental health.
Louise Andala, head of services at Causeway, said:
"We are delighted to have been successful in tendering for this programme aimed at reducing domestic abuse across Merseyside.
"Our criminal justice team have many years of experience in supporting people away from a cycle of crime and violence, and towards a more stable, safer life. Through this new Refocus service, our Navigators will help people who have committed first-time low-level domestic abuse to recognise and take responsibility for their behaviours, as well as supporting and reducing risk to those who have experienced the abuse.
2The programme, funded by the Home Office, will be delivered in partnership with Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, Merseyside Police, and specialist organisation ‘DMAT Services’.
"We are proud to be leading this innovative programme of support across Merseyside and are excited to see reductions in the levels and severity of domestic abuses in the area, which in turn will lead to improved safety, protection and outcomes for the victims and their children."
Maureen Harris, Founder of DMAT, said:
"DMAT works with male perpetrators of domestic abuse, as well as those at risk of becoming domestic abusers, and survivors of domestic abuse and coercive control.
"In England and Wales, 2.3 million people are known to experience domestic abuse each year, and one in five murders are related to domestic abuse. We believe that by tackling the early signs of domestic abuse, we can not only stop lives from being ruined but can also save the lives of those affected.
"Our See the Signs early intervention programme aims to help men identify and address the underlying issues behind their abusive or controlling behaviour, and give them coping mechanisms and a chance to change and grow.
"We are very much looking forward to working with Causeway and to expanding our programme so that we can continue to help more people move forward from domestic abuse."