Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, has awarded over £18,000 to support an innovative project, aimed at reducing reoffending among domestic abuse perpetrators.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley has awarded £18,500 of funding to Thames Valley Police to work with first time domestic abuse perpetrators in order to reduce re-offending.
As part of this funding, Thames Valley Police will work with the Hampton Trust on their Cautioning and Relationship Abuse (CARA) project. The project is aimed at lower risk, alleged first time perpetrators who will attend two workshops between 4 and 5 weeks apart.
The workshops aim to give perpetrators an understanding of domestic abuse and the impact of their behaviour on others, including the victim and any children. Work is done on recognition of personal risk factors, management strategies and how to access other services that may be of benefit, such as substance misuse. The approach to perpetrators is based on extensive experience of the facilitators who are trained to deal with feelings of shame, anxiety, anger and remorse.
Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: “I am delighted to have been able to provide funding to support Thames Valley Police in reducing reoffending, an important part in my Police & Criminal Justice Plan.
“The CARA project, delivered by the Hampton Trust, has the opportunity to make a real difference in reducing reoffending among domestic abuse perpetrators.
“This is an exciting project which has the potential to protect victims, and reduce crime.
“I am pleased to be able to support this project and, in turn, keep our communities safe.”
Detective Chief Inspector Jon Capps, force lead for domestic abuse, said: “I’m very grateful for the support given to this project from the OPCC and we look forward to working with The Hampton Trust.
We know that demand from domestic abuse continues to rise and we must explore all opportunities to protect victims, reduce re-offending and prevent future harm to others. Further details about the project will be published in due course, including eligibility and implementation dates.”
Caroline Freeman, Project CARA National Lead for The Hampton Trust, said: “The Hampton Trust are delighted to be working in partnership with Thames Valley Police to deliver Project CARA across the region.
“CARA has a proven track record of reducing domestic abuse re-offending by enabling people to access support and intervention earlier before abusive behaviour escalates and causes severe harm to victims and children”
