Glow launch new Derbyshire project to support high-risk domestic abuse perpetrators to change their behaviour

In the last two years our domestic abuse charity, Glow, has supported 167 high-risk domestic abuse perpetrators to change their abusive behaviour. This work has transformed the lives of their 173 partners and 372 children, who were all impacted by their abuse.

Now, thanks to £1.3m in Home Office funding, secured by Derbyshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster, Glow have launched a new project to continue their work with perpetrators. The funding is part of an investment from the Home Office to protect victims of abuse and stalking in England and Wales. Over the next two years, 50 projects will be supported.

Part of Derbyshire's funding has been awarded to Glow, which has enabled them to launch their 180° project. The project will see specialist staff work with the highest risk and highest harm perpetrators of domestic abuse in the county.

180° has been developed for individuals that are willing to engage with services and complete work, but do not show the level of acceptance of their abusive behaviour needed for a long-term behaviour change programme. The aim of the project is to move these individuals to a place where they can begin to see the impact of their actions and start to take responsibility for their behaviour.

Perpetrators can self-refer into the service or be referred by another agency. They will receive a range of support, all tailored to their needs following an initial assessment. They will be supported to recognise the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship, become accountable for their behaviours and identify safer ways to deal with their emotions.

To deliver the service safely, Glow also has a dedicated integrated safety support team (ISS). The ISS team will complete regular check-ins and offer a range of support and safety advice to partners, ex-partners and children of perpetrators engaged in the service.

Clare Vickers, Team Leader at Glow, will head up the service.

She said: “We’re excited to launch our new 180° project, which will support Derbyshire’s high-risk, high-harm domestic abuse perpetrators to do a complete 180° on their abusive and controlling behaviours.

“It builds on the work that our specialist prevention team have been doing in Derbyshire for the past two years. It’s all about providing people who are ready to take accountability and responsibility for their actions, with the tools and support to change.

“As a charity we’re on a mission to address, overcome and end domestic abuse. Working with perpetrators and addressing the issue of abuse at the source is vital to achieve this mission and break the cycle of abuse.

“When we guide a perpetrator to change their behaviour, this doesn’t just impact them. It changes the lives of their children and partners – past, present and future.”

Find out more about Glow’s 180° service by emailing 180derbyshire@findtheglow.org.uk or calling 07974 608015