Nearly £1million a year is being invested in a potentially life-changing new domestic abuse (DA) service launched by Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones.
The DA Service for People Causing Harm is the first pan-Hampshire and Isle of Wight service of its kind, and the funding is also the largest investment in tackling perpetrators the 2 counties have ever seen.
Delivered by the charity, Hampton Trust, the core focus of the service is early intervention and sees the introduction of Domestic Abuse Navigators to provide individually tailored trauma-informed support for those who cause harm.
PCC Donna Jones has said:
“It’s important we intervene with people causing harm at the earliest opportunity.
“Domestic abuse has a devastating and long-lasting impact on both victims and their families.
“We know many perpetrators often have a number of other challenges including drug and alcohol use or mental health issues.
“To effect real change and empower people to move forward and enjoy healthy relationships, we need to look beyond an individual’s behaviours and focus on what their needs are.
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“By working in partnership, we can explore innovative solutions to provide comprehensive support to perpetrators while keeping the safety of victims and survivors, including children, at the heart of everything we do.”
There are many barriers that prevent a person seeking or accepting support, particularly with the stigma attached to causing harm in relationships.
This new service consolidates existing provision and, following a referral, users will be offered a range of intervention and support by skilled practitioners in a clear and simple way.
Most importantly, it’s free, confidential and available to all – whether people causing harm, victims, concerned family and friends or professionals.
The PCC is working in partnership with Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.
Kate Harvey, Director of Public Health for the Isle of Wight and Chair of the Isle of Wight Domestic Abuse Partnership Board, said:
“Addressing abusive behaviour is integral to a whole‑system response to domestic abuse. By intervening early and providing evidence‑based support, we can help prevent further harm and improve long‑term outcomes for individuals, families, and our wider communities.
“This programme supports protection, prevention, and accountability plus strengthens our commitment to tackling the root causes of abuse and creating safer, healthier lives for all.”
Thank goodness for this. Paragon do not provide enough assistance on the island
Is this charity helping the abuser or the victims? Long prison sentences would be better and stronger support for the (mainly) women. Stop sending ‘far right’ protesters to prison and you have the spaces for these cowardly scumbags!