Sussex domestic abuse: Criminals targeted by new police unit

Dangerous criminals will be subject to the new High Harm Domestic Abuse (DA) Perpetrator Unit in Sussex.

It follows government funding worth £400,000 to crack down on those who batter their partners and think they can escape the consequences.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne says the unit will track down the “most active, dangerous and serial perpetrators of domestic abuse”.

The unit will address the reasons why the thugs commit the abusive crimes.

Among the new team will be detectives and those with the role of supervising criminals in the community, and they will be joined by a mental health worker from Brighton Housing Trust, a drugs and alcohol worker from the charity Change Grow Live, an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor from Worth Services, and probation-trained officers from Seetec Justice.

Domestic Violence stock image, PA

Mrs Bourne said: “I’m delighted that I was able to secure the funds needed to begin addressing perpetrators’ behaviour and improve the outcomes for victims and children across the entire county.

“Before this unit, there was no specialist partner intervention for those who continually abuse and, as a result, we saw far too many perpetrators in Sussex slipping through the criminal justice net, going on to reoffend and hurt more people.

“As a partnership we are determined, from today onwards, to challenge and change domestic abuse perpetrators in a way that lasts.”

Sussex Youth Commission Big Conversation Event at the Amex Stadium, Brighton set up by the police and Crime Commissioner.Katy Bourne.Contact Patricia 07970 988237.Reporters Flora Thompson and Rachel Millard..TA23915K7.PICTURE TERRY APPLIN...

She said that last year there were 21,000 reports of domestic abuse, but there has only been a four per cent conviction rate.

There are fears that the current lockdown has also led to a large number of domestic violence incidents which have gone unreported to police.

Mrs Bourne says that unless more perpetrators are sentenced, they will not get intervention to address their behaviour.

The victims and families of the criminals will also be supported and kept informed throughout.

Read more on The Argus:

• Domestic violence charity Rise loses £5 million Brighton and Hove contract

• New schemes launched to support victims at risk of domestic violence and abuse in Sussex

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Rayland said thugs who continue to abuse and assault loved-ones will continue to face prosecution.

He said: “We can now start this domestic abuse perpetrator programme to reduce violence and abusive behaviour in relationships.

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Rayland, Sussex Police

“We want to work with perpetrators to change and modify their behaviour and educate them about healthy relationships.

“Domestic abuse isn’t acceptable and will not be tolerated, but through this programme those who want to change will have the opportunity to do so.”

To begin with the unit will work with 40 of the worst offenders in 2021, and charities involved say they will also target problems such as drug and alcohol abuse and homelessness in order to tackle domestic violence and address the root causes.

If you have been a victim of domestic abuse or violence, or know someone who is at risk or has been a victim, report incidents to Sussex Police online or call 101. In an emergency call 999. For information on support services available in Sussex search for: Safe Space Sussex.