Funding unlocked in Herts and Beds to tackle domestic violence
A new scheme is being launched in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire to help reduce domestic violence.
A huge project reduce domestic abuse is being launched after the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire unlocked £300,000 of funding.
The funding, in conjunction with wider investment from the Home Office, enabled the creation of the Chrysalis Centre, a prevention hub dedicated to work with offenders.
The idea is to prevent future attacks from perpetrators and to break the cycle of their behaviour.
Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, David Lloyd, said: “This programme is about radically reducing the number of domestic abuse victims in our county. The Chrysalis Centre will be working with perpetrators to intervene and act before any harm is done."
This offending type can include spousal abuse, as well as abuse against children and parents.
"it's very much about tackling the causes of domestic abuse..."
Bianca Moreira, Director of Operations for the Chrysalis Centre, said: "We realised there was very little provision nationally really, but especially locally."
"It's very much about tackling the causes of domestic abuse, so a range of behavioural change programmes and intervention from all risk levels really, we are really looking at preventative measures."
The support offered by the Centre varies between group and individual sessions, for people who wish to feel supported.
"Starting really from ten years onwards so adolescent, any sort of early signs of controlling behaviours all the way up to physical and violent behaviours", added Ms Moreira.
"We give a real range of interventions, including a psychological assessment."
The idea is to work work to prevent an escalation of violent behaviour, as well as preventing future offences from perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Ms Moreira said: "It's been proven it's trauma suffered, and some of the people who display these behaviours have had a lot of traumatic experiences themselves."
The Chrysalis Centre is now open for referrals, including self-referrals, and more details can be found here.