Merseyside domestic abuse intervention programme extended for 12 months
20.05.25 - Merseyside
ReFocus, a domestic abuse intervention programme delivered by modern slavery and crime reduction charity Causeway, in partnership with Merseyside Police, has been extended for another 12 months.
The 12-week early intervention programme supports adults across Merseyside who have been given a conditional caution for ‘low risk, low harm’ domestic abuse. It aims to prevent further escalation of abuse by providing wrap-around support and education on the signs and effects of domestic abuse and coercive control.
The initial pilot, funded by the Home Office, and in partnership with Merseyside Police, and Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, has supported 18 people through the programme, and is currently supporting 12 service users.
The 12-week programme includes one-to one support, as well as an education and awareness element that helps everyone involved know the signs of abuse, and the effects of domestic abuse on their partners and families, as well as learn coping mechanisms for dealing with stress or emotional issues in more healthy and constructive ways.
Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell added: “Domestic abuse is neither acceptable nor inevitable and has a devastating impact on victims and their families.
“Early intervention is crucial to addressing abusive behaviour, preventing it from happening again or escalating.
“I’m delighted that by working with Causeway and Merseyside Police, we have been able to secure further funding to continue their vital work with individuals whose behaviour is unacceptable, to challenge and change their attitudes, help them identify the triggers, shift their mindsets and empower them to make better choices.
“Manipulation, violence and abuse has no place in a healthy, loving relationship. While we are working hard to give brave victims and survivors the confidence to reach out for help when abuse does occur, our aim is to stop it from taking place at all. We can do that by educating offenders and making them accountable for their actions, alleviating suffering, preventing harm and protecting more victims and families now and in the future.”
Katie Clarke, Causeway’s Crime Reduction Services Manager, said: “ReFocus has been a really successful scheme. It’s really important to provide perpetrators of domestic abuse with a safe space to learn about, and to discuss the impact their behaviour has on victims, whilst taking accountability for their actions.
“Those with a Conditional Caution who are referred onto the programme have already taken some accountability of their actions before agreeing to take part, and if they do not complete the programme, they will be breached back to the police.
“The behaviour change we see in people after taking part in the educational programme is really encouraging. The programme also provides support that looks at possible root causes of behaviour and helps people access local support services for a range of different needs, including mental health and addiction support.
“Victims of domestic abuse can also access ReFocus support and attend a victim focused educational programme, as well as access wrap-around support.
“ReFocus have also re-opened the third-party referral pathway where local services and councils can refer individuals they think would benefit from the programme.”