PCC secures £800,000 investment towards protecting families by tackling abusive behaviour

MORE than £800,000 has been secured to expand a project focused on protecting families by acting early to tackle abusive behaviour, thanks to the Region's Police Commissioner.  Emily Spurrell has secured the investment to intervene early in more cases where an individual is identified as displaying abusive behaviour and acting quickly to challenge and put a stop to their abusive behaviour by diverting them on to a specialist programme.

'See the Signs' is designed to tackle the behaviour of those who have committed domestic abuse for the 1st time, making them accountable for their actions, and working to prevent reoffending to reduce the risk to their partners and children.

The programme focuses on educating offenders on what domestic abuse is, the effects of their behaviour on their partners and children and how to make better choices, teaching them to learn how to practice non-controlling alternatives and steer them away abusive behaviour and offending.

It is hoped that the money will be used to reach up to 400 1st time perpetrators over the next 2 years.

Suitable participants will be identified by organisations such as the Police and Social Services and referred via the charity Causeway through their ReFocus service to the course, which will be delivered by Speke-based service DMAT who specialise in perpetrator programmes.

The £800,000 investment was secured by the Commissioner from the Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Fund which is jointly delivered by the Home Office and Ministry of Justice.

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- "Domestic abuse is never acceptable or inevitable. Intervening early is vital if we are to tackle it and prevent incidents from reoccurring or escalating and keep families safe. Securing this significant investment will enable the charity Causeway to identify more individuals whose behaviour has become abusive and divert them onto this programme which is focused on challenging and changing unacceptable behaviour. Making offenders accountable for their actions will enable them to address the things that trigger their unacceptable behaviour, changing mindsets and empowering them to make better choices. By educating and working with perpetrators, we can end the suffering of their partners and children. Ultimately this has the power to prevent harm and protect more families."

Following completion of the course, perpetrators will receive up to 8 weeks of wraparound support to try and address any wider issues which may trigger their abusive or controlling behaviour, including addiction, anger management, emotional wellbeing, and mental health.

Causeway is an experienced charity with a history of working with vulnerable victims and with perpetrators of crime, particularly through the Merseyside Deferred Prosecution Scheme (MDPS) which aims to tackle issues outside of the courts to prevent re-offending. This funding will enhance this work by focusing on 1st time perpetrators and trying to put a stop to their behaviour and prevent any repeat offending.

Louise Andala, Head of Services at Causeway, said:- "We are delighted to have been successful in tendering for this programme aimed at reducing domestic abuse across Merseyside. Our criminal justice team have many years of experience in supporting people away from a cycle of crime and violence, and towards a more stable, safer life. Through this new Refocus service, our Navigators will help people who have committed 1st time low level domestic abuse to recognise and take responsibility for their behaviours, as well as supporting and reducing risk to those who have experienced the abuse. The programme, funded by the Home Office, will be delivered in partnership with Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, Merseyside Police, and specialist organisation 'DMAT Services.' We are proud to be leading this innovative programme of support across Merseyside and are excited to see reductions in the levels and severity of domestic abuses in the area, which in turn will lead to improved safety, protection and outcomes for the victims and their children."

Maureen Harris, Founder of DMAT (Duluth Model, Assessment and Training), said:- "DMAT works with male perpetrators of domestic abuse, as well as those at risk of becoming domestic abusers, and survivors of domestic abuse and coercive control. In England and Wales, 2.3 million people are known to experience domestic abuse each year, and one in five murders are related to domestic abuse. We believe that by tackling the early signs of domestic abuse, we can not only stop lives from being ruined but can also save the lives of those affected. Our See the Signs early intervention programme aims to help men identify and address the underlying issues behind their abusive or controlling behaviour, and give them coping mechanisms and a chance to change and grow. We are very much looking forward to working with Causeway and to expanding our programme so that we can continue to help more people move forward from domestic abuse."
 

North West shopworkers take part in Usdaw's inaugural 'National Retail Workers' Day'

RETAIL trade union Usdaw on 15 July 2023 launched the 1st annual:- 'National Retail Workers' Day,' which engages with the public to highlight the value of retail workers in our shops and communities. North West shopworkers are joining Regional campaign events in Blackpool and Warrington, asking the public to show their support and share the message that:- 'retail workers are at the heart of our communities.'

Retail directly employs over 325,000 North West workers, it is the biggest private sector employer in the Region. Across the UK there are nearly 3 million shopworkers, with around a further 1.5 million jobs reliant on the success of the industry. The staff are at the core of retail, which is crucial to the UK economy and a vital part of high streets and communities. 'National Retail Workers' Day' provides a great opportunity to thank all retail workers for the hard work they do, day in day out.

As the trade union for retail workers, Usdaw represents hundreds of thousands of workers across the UK retail sector. The union continues to make a difference for retail workers, delivering better jobs with better terms and conditions by:-

• Negotiating higher pay rates and more secure employment contracts.
   

• Campaigning to:- 'Save Our Shops' by calling for urgent action to revitalise our high streets.
   

• Delivering for our members supportive policies on the menopause, greater support on mental health issues and caring for children and family.
   

• Working with employers, politicians and the Police to tackle abuse, threats and violence towards retail workers.

Paddy Lillis - Usdaw General Secretary says:- "Today we are celebrating the role of retail workers, who undertake an essential role in North West communities and across the UK economy. On behalf of Usdaw, I want to thank retail workers for the incredible role they do and invite the public to join with us on this inaugural national Retail Workers' Day. It is only right that retail workers are a part of this positive event and enjoy good relations with the communities they serve. This day of appreciation adds to our year-round campaigning for the Government to deliver improved workers' rights and negotiating with employers for better terms and condition. Retail work is 24/7, mentally and physically demanding, multi-skilled, high pressure, profit driven, and target led. Retail workers have to be adaptable and dynamic, responding to rapid changes in a fast moving consumer driven industry. Despite the demands of the job, many retail workers and their families are facing impossible decisions just to make ends meet. While everyone has been affected by the rising cost of living, retail workers have been at the sharp end of it. The retail sector continues to be of fundamental importance to the UK economy and society as a whole. Despite this, retail jobs do not reflect their true value and significance. It is clear that more needs to be done by both employers and Government to help shape the future of retail work and to ensure retail jobs provide people with the decent pay and hours they both need and deserve. In addition to decent pay and hours, staff should feel safe and valued at work."