Domestic abuse prevention scheme in Dorset to target dangerous perpetrators
Success rates have been high other parts of the country.
Dorset's most prolific domestic abusers will be targeted by an innovative scheme to prevent further offences.
The Drive Programme will invite serial offenders to engage with the program, offering resources to help them change their behaviour.
It's after a successful bid for more that £90,000 from the Home Office by Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner.
The scheme has already seen success in other parts of the country such. It's been shown that out of over 500 cases, the programme was able to reduce physical abuse by 82%, sexual abuse by 88% and harassment and stalking behaviours by 75%.
Martyn Underhill, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said:
“Domestic abuse is a damaging crime which ruins lives and destroys families.
“This scheme, which has been so successful in other parts of the country, will help us turn the tide, stopping perpetrators continuing their abuse and moving onto the next victim, and will protect vulnerable people here in Dorset.”
Each offender will be assigned a case manager who will work with multiple agencies to stop the perpetrator's ability to abuse, while also working to change their behaviour.
This could be through support with substance abuse or mental health problems.
But offenders will be closely monitored by police and probation while they take part in the scheme. The Force will also work closely with housing associations, local authorities and other organisations, and anyone who refuses to take part will be warned doing so will have consequences such as jeopardising tenancies and access to benefits.
The one-year scheme will target those who have committed violent offences as well as those responsible for coercive and controlling behaviour, made an offence under legislation introduced in 2015.
Dorset’s scheme will be run by the Hampton Trust, who currently manage the county’s Cautions and Relationship Abuse (CARA) programme, an early intervention method which targets lower risk domestic abuse perpetrators and works with them to ensure the problem does not escalate.
The trust is currently recruiting managers to run the Drive Programme in Dorset, and it is hoped the scheme will be operating by January and will be working with up to 100 perpetrators later in 2021.
Director of Drive, Kyla Kirkpatrick, said:
“We’re so pleased to welcome Dorset, a new area to deliver the Drive Project. This investment shows victims and survivors that together they are committed to increasing their safety through responding to those who cause the harm – the perpetrators.
“We look forward to working closely with Dorset OPCC, Dorset Police, Dorset Council and Public Health England and thank them for undertaking this important commitment.”