DA Perpetrator Programme

Description

The joint vision of the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner is to make Kent a safe place to live, work and visit. We will protect the public from harm and allow communities to flourish by working effectively with the public and our partners. This is reflected in the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner's 'Safer in Kent, The Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan' and the 'Kent Control Strategy', both of which include the priorities of tackling abuse, exploitation and violence. Domestic violence and abuse very much forms a part of this plan and whilst domestic violence and abuse may occur behind closed doors, the consequences are often devastating and long term, affecting victims' physical health and mental wellbeing. It can also have a significant and long-lasting effect on children in the household, the wider family and the local community. The Police and Crime Commissioner has a statutory responsibility for the local commissioning of victim support services and, along with Kent Police, they have invested in first class services to support those who are affected by all types of crime, including domestic violence and abuse. Whilst robust policing and investigations alongside effective victim support services go some way to address the symptoms of domestic abuse and violence, it is recognised that perpetrator interventions are necessary to change behaviours and deal with the root cause of offending. A pilot is being launched in Medway (a mixed urban / rural collection of towns and villages in the south east of England with a population of about 280,000) and a suitable service provider with a proven track record in delivering behaviour change programmes and awareness courses is required. Existing perpetrator services in Kent are limited and whilst there are clear pathways through the courts to probation-led programmes there is little in place outside of the criminal justice system to effectively identify and refer perpetrators who are likely to benefit for the programmes. This is an opportunity to deliver a behaviour change programme and to establish its effectiveness in rehabilitating individuals and improving the safety and quality of life for victims and their families. The key objectives of the programme will be to prevent further incidents of domestic abuse, making victims safer and enabling children to thrive in a family without violence. Secondary to this is the impact on the number of domestic abuse incidents being managed by public sector and support organisations, which can increase capacity and opportunities to enhance working practices.