A three-year programme to reduce domestic abuse in Cumbria has been backed by the county’s police, fire and crime commissioner.
Turning the Spotlight concentrates on the perpetrators of domestic abuse and the commissioner has given £750,000 to Victim Support to run the programme.
The programme offers extensive support to families or individuals whose relationship ranges from unhealthy to medium risk domestic abuse.
It is free, confidential and non-judgemental, offering a range of programmes which are delivered in a group setting.
Turning the Spotlight aims to improve communication skills, lessen conflict and give people a greater sense of confidence and self-esteem , which will lead to happier families and children.
Commissioner David Allen said: “Domestic abuse is a very serious offence, there can never be an excuse for it and it will not be tolerated in Cumbria.
“As commissioner, putting victims first is at the heart of what I do and I am absolutely committed to ensuring that victims have access to the services they need, when they need them.
“I believe by funding Victim Support to deliver Turning the Spotlight, working with perpetrators of domestic abuse while supporting their families, we will increase the opportunity to break the cycle of offending behaviour.
“Turning the Spotlight is a fantastic programme which helps perpetrators of domestic abuse to understand what is and is not healthy and acceptable in relationships, how to communicate better with their partner and manage their emotions so that it does not result in conflict.
“This programme, alongside the one-to-one support for those who are experiencing harm within their relationship, is vital. Prevention is key, and whatever we can do to prevent and reduce incidents of domestic abuse has got to be a positive step.”
Lee Evans, Victim Support area manager for Cumbria, said: “We are delighted to be delivering this much needed service to tackle domestic abuse, by helping perpetrators to address their harmful behaviour, understand its impact and prevent it from happening again.
“As part of Turning the Spotlight, we support victim-survivors so that they are fully part of the process and can validate the changes in behaviour.
“If you are concerned about conflict or abuse in your relationship and are motivated to change, you can access our services. Domestic abuse destroys lives – we want people in the local community to know that our team of specialist staff are here to help.”
Detective Superintendent Matt Scott, of Cumbria police, said: “Services such as Turning the Spotlight can be important in helping perpetrators address what may be underlying causes of their behaviour, such as drug or alcohol abuse or mental health issues.
“We would urge people who are carrying out this type of behaviour to think about what they are doing, stop – and seek help. Services such as this can be invaluable in preventing further offences taking place and thereby helping victims.
“Nobody should ever have to suffer domestic abuse – and if you’re scared, there is help out there.
“Tackling these awful crimes and safeguarding vulnerable people is a key priority for us. We take reports seriously and we treat all cases with sensitivity.
“If you are suffering, please get in touch. We are here to help and support you. Even if right now you only have questions, I would urge you to contact us.”
Turning the Spotlight is accessible county-wide, either by self-referral or through referral from partners or the police.
For more information, contact [email protected]
If you, or somebody you know is experiencing domestic abuse or if you recognise your behaviour is or has the potential to become abuse, contact Victim Support on 0300 303 0157 or visit www.victimsupport.org.uk for more information.
