A NEW scheme has been launched at Middlewich custody suite to help prevent domestic abusers from reoffending.

This perpetrator programme has been launched in Cheshire Police’s custody suites to support those committing domestic abuse-related offences to change their behaviour.

Following funding secured by Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, Cheshire Police is one of the first forces in the country to offer the perpetrator custody programme in each of its three custody suites, based in Chester, Middlewich and Runcorn.

The project launches this month following a successful pilot in Middlewich and is being delivered in partnership with My CWA (formerly known as Cheshire Without Abuse) - the Cheshire-based charity supporting families affected by domestic abuse.

My CWA has recruited a team of experts 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.

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.”

Once the perpetrator leaves custody, they are referred to a community-based programme which runs for 32 weeks, involving a series of online, one-to-one and group sessions.

Superintendent Claire Jesson added: “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.”    

Beverley Wrighton, deputy chief executive at 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.”

The community-based support programme does not replace the criminal process and outcomes, 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.

Abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender or age and tailored support services are available to both male and female offenders and young people who offend.