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PCC David Jamieson launches £700,000 plan to tackle domestic violence

The West Midlands' Police and Crime Commissioner has launched a new £700,000 scheme to tackle domestic violence.

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David Jamieson, the West Midlands police and crime commissioner

The two-year 'domestic violence perpetrator programme' will cover the entire region and builds on projects in Sandwell and Walsall.

David Jamieson said the scheme will target husbands and boyfriends who commit domestic violence and abuse.

Experts will work closely with them to reduce their offending and try to improve families' lives.

Mr Jamieson said: "Supporting victims of domestic abuse is crucial work that will continue.

"This project aims to reduce that abuse happening in the first place.

"The Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programme will work with offenders to change their ways and improve the safety of their families.

"I am funding this new scheme for an initial two years. I hope it will make a real difference and improve the lives of hundreds of families."

The project is a voluntary programme for fathers over 18 who have been asked to participate as part of a Child Protection Plan or Child in Need Plan.

A support service for their female partners and children will also be provided by the West Midlands Domestic Violence Consortium.

Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe said: "Whilst the police service has strived to improve the police response to domestic abuse and improve outcomes for victims, the impact is limited without a sustained effort to change the behaviour of perpetrators. I welcome this initiative which will ensure we can work together to keep victims and families safe."

The Office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner is now looking to appoint an organisation or consortium to deliver the DVPP.

The aim of the programme is to get offenders to change their ways, improve safety for women and children and reduce re-offending.

Kathy Cole-Evans, Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum manager, said: "I'm delighted to have played a part in the development of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner's regional domestic violence perpetrator programme.

"This pilot programme will begin to address a significant demand for interventions to safely tackle the root cause of domestic violence and abuse."

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