Domestic violence scheme ‘a step in the right direction’

Police in Rotherham say none of the 17 men who worked with a skilled domestic violence officer in December after being identified as known serial attackers have re-offended.

As part of the scheme their level of risk was monitored and staff worked with their partners to ensure they were not offending.

The “perpetrator management scheme” was introduced to prevent repeat offences. Police in the area received 5,555 reports from victims of domestic abuse last year but it takes 37 attacks before a victim seeks help.

They say the new system “educates offenders about the consequences of what they are doing and the impact their behaviour has on their victims and families”.

South Yorkshire police commissioner Shaun Wright has now asked police bosses to extend it across the county force.

He said: “I am very pleased with the results of the intervention work in Rotherham. December is predominantly a time when police receive a higher number of domestic abuse reports.

“It is welcome news that over the festive period, Rotherham officers have found a successful way of stopping the abuse and protecting so many women.

“In my police and crime plan I set out my key priorities, one of which is to protect vulnerable people. This year I shall be specifically targeting the protection of women caught up in abusive relationships and will be working closely with organisations that help to stop perpetrators re-offending.

“This is a big step in the right direction and I hope to see some excellent results across South Yorkshire with the extension of this good work.”

Chief Inspector Ian Womersley, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “The intervention work that officers have put into practice in Rotherham is attracting much interest from other police forces and partnerships.

“Plans are in place to expand the work across South Yorkshire and also develop culturally specific interventions across ethnic minority groups, to ensure woman across all communities are protected.”