New campaign hopes to tackle domestic abuse across Essex
They're offering help to perpetrators who want to change
Last updated 10th Aug 2022
A new campaign is being launched to try and tackle domestic abuse across Essex.
In collaboration with Essex Police, the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB) and the Change Project, the Reflect Campaign will encourage perpetrators of domestic abuse to come forward for help to stop their behaviour.
Launching today, the campaign focuses on different types of abuse – from physical abuse, to controlling behaviour, stalking and harassment, and uncontrolled emotions like humiliation or anger aimed at loved ones.
Rachel Nolan is Assistant Chief Constable of Essex Police, and vice-chair of SETDAB: "Around half of all incidents of domestic abuse reported to us are repeat victims reporting further incidents of domestic abuse.
"The aim of this campaign is to try and stop that repeat offending and encourage people, as the campaign says, to reflect on their behaviour."
Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner is the chair of SETDAB. She says it was important to focus on perpetrators rather than victims: "It's not the victim that needs to change in these crimes, it's the perpetrator.
"We'll continue to make sure that victims of these crimes get the help and support they need."
She's confident that people will engage with the campaign: "We make assumptions about those that perpetrate these crimes, thinking they don't want to change, but many people do want to change. "We have to offer them safe spaces to be able to do that and make that change."
Once in contact with The Change Project, the charity will work with perpetrators of domestic abuse to help to break the cycle, by making perpetrators realise their abusive behaviour and to prevent it in the future.
Sarah Griffin is the Service Manager for the Change Project: "We are non-judgemental, we're not here to make a judgement on what they've done.
"We're here to work with them if they want to change, and to support them so they can have healthier relationships...
“We believe people who engage in abusive behaviour with a partner or family member can change. This campaign will hopefully reach people who want to stop being abusive and encourage them to make the first step by contacting The Change Project.”
Deputy PFCC Jane Gardner continued, saying: “The Change Project has proven successful in working with people whose behaviours are becoming abusive to stop them committing these offences before they escalate.
“Changing behaviours, preventing crime and reducing the number of people who become the victims of domestic abuse is critical in creating safe communities where we can all live without fear.”
Visit The Change Project for more information or call 0845 372 7701 to speak to someone who can help you break the cycle of domestic abuse.
If you are a survivor of domestic abuse please visit www.essexcompass.org.uk for local support services.