A major new programme to help reform perpetrators of domestic abuse and encourage them to change their behaviour is launching in Bedfordshire.

The Chrysalis Centre has been developed to work directly with individuals and encourage them to access a range of available behavioural change interventions, as well as support for compounding issues such as substance abuse or poor mental health.

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye has partnered with his counterpart in Hertfordshire to successfully bid for £2 million from the Home Office to run the programme for the next two years.

The Chrysalis Centre ensures that a trauma informed, person centric approach is at the heart of its work.

The announcement comes in the amidst of 16 days of action against gender based violence, which aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

“I want to see a dramatic reduction in the number of domestic abuse victims in Bedfordshire,” said Mr Akinbusoye.

“This is why I wholeheartedly support this programme, focussed on recognising and changing the behaviours of domestic abuse perpetrators.

“So far in collaboration with Hertfordshire OPCC, we have supported over 60 individuals, including 22 women and 11 children and young people.

“The impact of these cases is real. I remain concerned about young people growing up in homes where domestic abuse takes place and the implications this has on wider public safety.

“I want to prevent there being victims in the first place. This new programme aims to reduce reoffending and I would encourage anyone who is thinking of self-referring to reach out to the Chrysalis Centre.”

Radio adverts for the centre are set to run on local stations in the run up to Christmas to encourage communities to refer anyone into the service.

Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown, Bedfordshire Police’s lead for male violence against women and girls, said: “Our officers do an amazing job at supporting victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.

“However, as we aim to be more proactive in reducing domestic abuse offending, we must look to find ways to support and change early behaviours.

“Perpetrator programmes are a stepping stone to help people and in the long term prevent repeat offending.”

To make a referral or to find out more information visit the chrysalis centre online.  You can also contact the centre via email.