High-risk domestic abusers will have sessions to manage emotions

High-risk domestic violence perpetrators will have one-to-one sessions on how to manage their emotions, as part of a new scheme.

The Drive Project will be introduced across Cambridgeshire and is aimed at abusers who pose the greatest risk to their victims, children and communities.

It is funded by the Home Office as part of the government's violence against women and girls strategy, in a bid to stop reoffending. Survivors will also receive dedicated emotional and practical support.

Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston said: "We owe it to all survivors and future victims to do better, and this project is a significant step forward in meeting our collective ambitions."

Perpetrators will be identified and referred to the scheme via multi-agency arrangements.

The scheme is run in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council, Peterborough City Council, Cambridgeshire Police and the Probation Service.

As part of it, specially trained case managers will also work closely with high-risk perpetrators on how to manage their relationships differently and remove opportunities for abuse, including the use of disruption tactics.

Preston said violence against women and girls is at "epidemic levels" nationally.

He said: "The rollout of this flagship project will support the work already underway across Cambridgeshire to manage risk and break the cycle of abuse to protect victims and ensure perpetrators are rightly held accountable for their actions.

"It will also enhance the support already available to ensure vulnerable victims of these harrowing crimes can cope, recover and move on with their lives."

Jonathan Hussey, a former probation officer, now managing director of Red Snapper Managed Services, which will be carrying out the scheme, said people causing harm will be held to account.

He said: "I have seen what happens when high-harm perpetrators go unchallenged.

"We look forward to seeing the difference we can make alongside local services."

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