Working to create healthier and safer relationships
The latest figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales* show that two million adults aged 16 to 59 live with domestic abuse every day, often at the hands of those they are closest to, in places where they should feel safe.
Women are twice as likely to be victims than men, and many people subjected to abuse are reluctant to talk about what is happening to them.
Following research into the social and economic impact of domestic abuse, the Government unveiled its draft Domestic Abuse Bill in January 2019. The bill is aimed at supporting victims and their families and pursuing offenders, imposing tougher sentences on perpetrators and giving more intervention powers to the Police and courts. It also introduces the first statutory definition of domestic abuse to specifically include economic abuse, and controlling and manipulative non-physical abuse.
While fully supportive of the Bill, Sodexo Justice firmly believes that early education and action before domestic abuse becomes an issue can actively reduce the number of crimes and minimise the impact on future victims.
Our trained professionals deliver accredited programmes and support services countrywide, designed to help individuals challenge behavioural patterns and develop respectful, non-abusive relationships.
We aim to support both those who have been convicted of a domestic abuse crime and those outside of the criminal justice system. One such scheme, now live at South Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation Centre (CRC), is aimed at anyone wanting to examine and change their behaviour before it escalates.
Called ‘Inspire to Change’, the programme’s ultimate goal is to create safer homes for victims and families. It’s different in that it provides the first voluntary domestic abuse support service in the area, and encourages anyone to seek help without having to be referred, although referrals can still come through via agencies and charities.
The programme is free, thanks to co-funding and collaboration from four local authorities and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
“Preventing domestic abuse is a high priority for South Yorkshire CRC and support services such as Inspire to Change are vital in helping professionals engage directly with individuals who may not be visible via the criminal justice system,” explains South Yorkshire CRC director Amanda Cullen.
Inspire to Change combines learning and support tailored to an individual’s need and is flexible, to fit around work and other commitments. CRC professionals agree a personal plan for each participant.
The course helps participants gain a better understanding of how to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and why they use violence or aggression in their relationships. The sessions then aim to deliver the practical tools to develop and maintain positive change.
South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner Dr Alan Billing is confident that the service can set a benchmark across the country.
“Domestic abuse is often hidden and goes unreported, sometimes for many years. If we work together we can change this,” says Alan. “Initiatives like Inspire to Change will help us do this, as well as to raise awareness with professionals through sharing knowledge and experience."
In this way, we can maximise everyone’s potential to tackle domestic abuse and prevent future victims.
*Figures year ending March 2018
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