‘A top priority’: New project to tackle domestic abuse
‘DELIGHTED WITH FUNDING’: Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison
By Rick Lyon
Funding has been announced for a new project to tackle domestic abuse in Hull and the East Riding.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside, Hull City Council and East Riding Council have jointly secured £988,259 from the Home Office for the project to work with individuals who commit domestic abuse.
It will aim to change the behaviour of offenders and increase understanding and awareness of how to prevent future reoffending. It will also specifically address the link between substance abuse and domestic violence.
The funding will specifically deliver:
• A new specialist workforce
• Co-located teams across drug, alcohol and domestic abuse perpetrator services in Hull and the East Riding
• A 24-week intervention behaviour change programme for offenders
• Enhanced support for victims, which will run concurrent with the programme
• The development of referral pathways and additional support
The funding is for an initial two years.
Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison said: “We are delighted to announce this funding. It will go a long way to reducing and preventing abuse, ensuring people feel safe in their homes and communities, whilst protecting vulnerable people.
“This will include tackling violence against women and girls and the harm caused by drugs and substance misuse, which is a top priority for us.
“These crimes have lasting and severe impacts on the physical and mental health of those affected.”
Shelley Goodinson, Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Partnerships Manager at East Riding Council, said: “We know that substance use is a significant risk factor for domestic abuse but, unfortunately, many perpetrator interventions do not adequately address this issue.
“This new approach will bring together experts from the domestic abuse and substance use sectors to collaborate on an intervention that addresses both issues. By working together, we hope to create better outcomes for survivors and their families and prevent future instances of domestic abuse.”
Councillor David McCobb, Portfolio Holder for Communications and Engagement at Hull City Council, said: “No-one should be subjected to domestic abuse, and that’s why preventing it is a top priority for making our city a safer place for everyone who lives here.
“This funding will help tackle this crucial issue by providing much needed extra capacity in treatment services and within specialist perpetrator programmes to tackle some of the root causes of abuse.”