"Prolific And Harmful" Domestic Abusers In Sussex Police Sights

Changing the behaviour of Sussex's most dangerous, active, serial perpetrators of domestic abuse is the aim of a new police scheme, starting today (March 1).

The news comes as police reveal 21,000 reports of domestic abuse were made in the year 2020.

The county's police service and Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne jointly announced for formation of a new 'multi-agency unit', including officers, a mental health specialist, a qualified person experienced in fighting drug and alcohol abuse, and other advisors.

With £402,000 Government funding secured by PCC Bourne, the new High Harm Domestic Abuse (DA) Perpetrator Unit is intended to seek, identify and target the most active, dangerous serial perpetrators of DA, uncovering and addressing the reasons why they offend.

It will aim to alter what they do, and reduce re-offending.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, said:

"I’m delighted that I was able to secure the funds needed to begin addressing perpetrators’ behaviour and improve the outcomes for victims and children across the entire county.

“Before this unit, there was no specialist partner intervention for those who continually abuse and, as a result, we saw far too many perpetrators in Sussex slipping through the criminal justice net, going on to reoffend and hurt more people.

“As a partnership we are determined, from today onwards, to challenge and change domestic abuse perpetrators in a way that lasts.”

Sussex Police said that with only a 4% local conviction rate for the 21,000 incidents of domestic abuse recorded last year, unless more perpetrators are sentenced in some way, they subsequently will not receive any service intervention that would address their behaviour.

Perpetrators’ victims and their families will be offered support through an independent domestic advice adviser (IDVA) from Worth Services, who will keep them informed throughout any process, and who can also liaise with Children’s Social Care whenever required.

Rachel Tandy, Early Help Manager for Worth Services said:

“The IDVA will work with the partner agencies as well the victims and families – ensuring that their voices are heard and that they are kept safe, regarding the abuse and its impact.

"We will keep them informed throughout the intervention.

"We are thrilled to be a part of this new partnership to continue to challenge domestic abuse.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Rayland of the Sussex Police Public Protection Command added:

“Those perpetrators who continue to offend will still be investigated and where there is sufficient evidence positive action will be taken, including prosecution.

"Domestic abuse isn’t acceptable and will not be tolerated, but through this programme those who want to change will have the opportunity to do so.” 

It is estimated that 40 of the domestic abusers in Sussex who cause the greatest harm will receive tailored intervention during 2021.

This means that mental health and intervention experts will work with them to address the reasons why they continue to hurt people in the ways that they do and more complex drivers, such as substance abuse, will also be addressed as part of the programme.

Katherine Wadbrook, Service Manager for Change Grow Live West Sussex YP & Families, said:

“We look forward to partnering with Sussex Police in this co-ordinated effort to reduce and stop abusive behaviours in relationships, in order to protect the innocent victims of domestic abuse and violence.

"This will include a strong focus on problematic drinking and drug misuse and addressing the root causes of abusive patterns of behaviour.”

A wider programme is also being launched today for DA perpetrators who recognise and want to change their destructive behaviour.

This will focus on changing the behaviour of up to 100 more perpetrators and will be delivered by local charity, Cranstoun.

The program will focus on challenging language, identifying harmful behaviours and supporting to make positive changes.

If you're a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, and there's an emergency that's ongoing or life is in danger, call 999 now. 

If you've been the victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned for someone who is, Sussex Police welcomes reports either using the Sussex Police online domestic abuse service, or in the safety of a local police station.

Officers are also willing to provide a translator if needed, initially by telephone, then later in person.