17
Feb
2016
By Calvin at 10:27 GMT, 9 years ago
A new approach to preventing domestic violence was promoted on the BBC this morning. The programme known as ‘DRIVE’ is aimed at the most dangerous offenders and will be piloted in Essex, Sussex and South Wales. It is supported by domestic abuse charities SafeLives and Respect.
Whilst there are already a number of counselling schemes available for perpetrators this one will target dangerous offenders; those that are thought to pose a risk of committing serious harm and murder.
Offenders on the DRIVE programme will be given bespoke one-to-one sessions, including support to tackle alcohol, drug or mental health problems they may have. They will also be given advice about employment, housing and parenting. Those who refuse to co-operate will be monitored closely by police and civil court orders and criminal sanctions will be considered to disrupt their offending behaviour.
It is anticipated that 900 offenders, some of whom will have already completed a prison sentence, will be asked to take part in the scheme over the next three years.
The scheme also has support from Social Finance, a not-for-profit organisation, and is funded by the Police and Crime Commissioners in the three areas, as well as the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales and the Tudor Trust.
Source BBC News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35591041
