Going into custody is often the outcome for those who commit domestic violence. But it is hoped a new scheme will mean sitting in a cell is a turning point for offenders to change their ways.
A new "perpetrator programme" has been launched this month in Cheshire to support those committing offences in a bid to prevent reoffending. It will be run from custody suites in Middlewich, Chester, and Runcorn where those arrested will get the chance to learn "coping mechanisms" to stop their behaviour.
Cheshire Constabulary are providing the service in partnership with My CWA (formerly known as Cheshire Without Abuse), charity supporting families affected by domestic abuse. It is being launched as the force is also implementing a "robust" plan to tackle domestic violence during the World Cup.
A team of experts have been recruited who are now based in the custody suites and are on hand to support those perpetrators taken into custody, offering them access to support services and a behavioural change programme on their release.
Perpetrators can choose whether to access the services, but all individuals are spoken to and the benefits explained. The key message given is that there is support available to them to change their behaviour as soon as possible.
The immediate help offered to offenders enables them to reflect on their actions and be equipped with a series of strategies that they can use instantly to help deal with anger.
Once the perpetrator leaves custody, they are referred to a community-based programme which runs for 32 weeks. The programme involves a series of online, one-to-one and group sessions.
The programme looks to break the cycle of offending and abuse by working with the whole family to understand the reasons for the perpetrator’s behaviour and improve the situation for everyone.
Superintendent Claire Jesson said: “Domestic abuse can affect anyone and it remains a force priority. Our focus is on problem solving and preventing reoccurrence, so we’re working with perpetrators to address their offending and the reasons behind their behaviour.
“At the same time as supporting offenders, we have specialist domestic abuse officers who support the victims which allows for a joined-up approach for the family. Cheshire Police has a really close working relationship with My CWA who provide a fantastic service.
"This is reinforced with the wonderful support that we receive from the IDVAs [Independent Domestic Violence Advisers] in the county’s domestic abuse hubs.
“As a force, we have a zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence and this programme supports that, it’s not a replacement for punishment.”
Earlier this year a special domestic abuse court in Cheshire dealt with 168 cases in its first month of operation. It has been set up at Warrington Magistrates' Court after a pledge by the Chief Constable of Cheshire to tackle a backlog of alleged domestic violence crimes
Beverley Wrighton, Deputy Chief Executive of My CWA, added: “My CWA has been supporting families affected by domestic abuse across Cheshire for over 45 years and our relationship with Cheshire Police has always been a valued and effective partnership. Together, we share insights and innovate to create new initiatives such as the recent custody suite programme.
“We believe that only by working hand-in-hand with police and wider Cheshire public services can our approach to tackling the issue of domestic abuse across Cheshire be consistent and impactful, and can we realise our vision of a community free from the fear of domestic abuse.”
The community-based support programme does not replace the criminal process but it does provide those who have offended with the opportunity to change and avoid future harmful actions, resulting in a break in the cycle of abuse.
Tailored support services are available to both male and female offenders and young people who offend.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer said: “Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on the whole family and it’s important we look to stop this cycle of abuse.
"I worked with the Home Office to secure investment for this valuable programme and, following the success of the pilot, we are already seeing the positive impact it has had on perpetrators and the reassurance given to victims as a result.
“Working with My CWA enables us to bring in the very best support when offenders leave custody and gives us confidence that they have access to all the tools possible to stop this harmful behaviour.
“Protecting vulnerable and at-risk people is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, as is delivering justice for victims. This programme allows us to do both by giving us the opportunity to change behaviour for the better and break the cycle of domestic abuse."
This year’s World Cup is the first time it has taken place out of the traditional summer period. It is anticipated that licensed premises will be very busy during this time, due to the overlap with the start of the festive period.
Cheshire Constabulary says:"Keeping people safe in the night-time economy and managing domestic abuse incidents are key focus areas. Additional officers will be patrolling busy hotspots with safety vehicles on standby to help those who are feeling vulnerable.
"The new ‘safe space’ safety vehicles will be situated in areas where there are high levels of night life. They will be clearly visible with the Constabulary’s Safer Streets branding and provide a safe space for vulnerable people."
The vehicles will have on-board defibrillators, first aid kits, phone chargers and bottles of water. They will be staffed by police officers and community safety specialists from other agencies who will be on hand to ensure that anyone in need of help is cared for until they are able to go home safely.
On busy nights, uniformed and plain clothes officers will be mingling in pubs and clubs watching for inappropriate behaviour and taking swift action against those looking to cause harm or nuisance.
There will be double-crewed DA (Domestic Abuse) cars that will be used solely for responding rapidly to DA-related incidents.
Suspects who were arrested for DA assault during the UEFA Football tournament last year have been written to. The letter includes a reminder that there will be zero tolerance of further offending, an explanation of the perpetrator custody programme.
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer said: "Sadly we know all too well that an increase in domestic abuse offences can coincide with major football tournaments so I am pleased to see the Constabulary taking robust action to prevent and tackle it. Securing funding for new safety vehicles and the perpetrator custody programme is to tackle domestic violence at its root cause."
Superintendent Claire Jesson said : "Football brings people together in their desire to see their team succeed. But sadly, what’s often unseen and away from the pitch, is the increase of domestic abuse offences that are reported during football tournaments. Cheshire’s police officers are only too familiar with how football can bring out the best in people but also the worst.
“While we recognise that not all offenders are male and not all victims are female, statistically domestic abuse remains a predominantly male on female offence. And all too often we see male passions for football turn to aggression towards the women and girls in their lives.
“As a police force, we focus on domestic abuse all year round but football tournaments like the World Cup are always a time to amplify that focus and double down on offenders. These are the times when we see a tangible spike and we are ready to act.”
An increasing number of Cheshire residents are using their legal right to ask the police if they believe that they, or someone they know, is in a relationship with an individual who could be abusive towards them. This could be a partner, ex-partner, or an individual in an intimate personal relationship.
They are using the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), known as “Clare’s Law”, which was implemented across police forces in England and Wales in March 2014. Clare’s Law is named after Clare Wood, from Salford, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton in 2009. Appleton later killed himself as police were hunting for him.
Following her death and after five years of campaigning, Clare’s father, Michael Brown, managed to change the law to allow police to inform people of their partners’ criminal records and relevant past convictions. Clare’s Law was finally introduced in England and Wales in 2014 under the official title of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS).
From 2014 to 2020/21, the number of applications tripled whilst the number of disclosures quadrupled.
The guidance provided by the government allows disclosure under this scheme to be given to any person who is in a position to benefit from this information to better safeguard themselves or their dependants. It does not require you to be the current partner of the person you’re applying about.
Cheshire Constabulary is promoting Clare's :Aw with a new poster campaign. The posters are being displayed in multiple sites including doctors and dental surgeries, hair and nail salons, pubs, clubs and wine bars. They act as a reminder to those who are concerned about the possible dangers faced by their loved ones in an intimate relationship.
The Constabulary has received over 620 requests so far in 2022 with 220 disclosures made – almost 30% of applications. A disclosure is when information is shared. The information can help a person to make informed choices about whether and how to take a relationship forward.
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