£36m funding to protect domestic abuse victims through prevention
The Home Office has committed up to £18 million a year over the next two years towards the next phase of the Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Intervention Fund.
The total of £36 million will enable police and crime commissioners (PCCs) to increase the availability of domestic abuse perpetrator intervention schemes in their areas, such as behaviour change programmes, that aim to improve victim safety and reduce the risk posed by abusers.
Minister for Safeguarding Sarah Dines said: “I am fully committed to tackling domestic abuse and protecting victims from suffering the lasting impacts of these horrific crimes.
“Our vital Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Intervention Fund allows police forces to intervene early, and work with perpetrators to change their behaviour and reduce the risk they pose, in order to protect victims.”
Since 2020 the Home Office has awarded more than £41 million to PCCs across England and Wales.
Previous schemes launched through the Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Intervention Fund include the Drive Project, which works with high harm and serial perpetrators to prevent them from abusing again.
The Home Office said recent evaluation from the Drive Project has shown that participation from dangerous perpetrators resulted in a reduction in abuse and risk among users of the service, with 82 per cent fewer perpetrators using physical abuse.
Association of Police and Crime Commissioners joint victims lead Donna Jones said: “We welcome this additional funding and the commitment to increase the availability of domestic abuse intervention schemes across England and Wales.
“These PCC led schemes are vital in improving victim safety and in reducing the risk posed by abusers.
“As PCCs we remain committed to providing innovative solutions to prevent reoffending and support long lasting behaviour change.”
The Home Office has also published seven standards that provide PCCs with the guidance needed to commission effective interventions with perpetrators, while also ensuring that victims’ safety and welfare remains paramount.
The standards outline the need for interventions to be conducted at the right time and by highly skilled staff. They also outline the importance of holding the perpetrator accountable for their actions, and highlight that the priority outcomes for such interventions should be enhanced safety and freedom for victims and survivors.