New initiative to tackle domestic abuse in Hampshire

Launched by police and crime commissioner Donna Jones, the scheme covers Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and represents the largest investment in tackling perpetrators the two counties have ever seen at nearly £1m per year.

Ms Jones said: "It’s important we intervene with people causing harm at the earliest opportunity.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner Donna Jones (Image: Supplied)

"Domestic abuse has a devastating and long-lasting impact on both victims and their families.

"We know many perpetrators often have a number of other challenges including drug and alcohol use or mental health issues.

“To effect real change and empower people to move forward and enjoy healthy relationships, we need to look beyond an individual’s behaviours and focus on what their needs are.

"By working in partnership, we can explore innovative solutions to provide comprehensive support to perpetrators while keeping the safety of victims and survivors, including children, at the heart of everything we do."

The service is being delivered by the Hampton Trust, a charity specialising in early intervention programmes.

It introduces trained Domestic Abuse Navigators who will provide trauma-informed, personalised support to those identified as causing harm.

The service has been developed in partnership with Hampshire County Council, Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council, Southampton City Council and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Chantal Hughes, chief executive of the Hampton Trust, said: "This investment is a big step forward: it allows us to meet people where they are and support them towards healthier relationships, recognising that everyone's starting point is different.

"Some people will need to deal with challenges like mental health or drug and alcohol use before they can engage with a behaviour change programme.

"For others, their relationship with their children is the most pressing concern, and that can be the motivation that starts their journey towards wider change."

The service consolidates existing provision and aims to break down barriers to seeking help, such as stigma and fear.

Support will be confidential, free and accessible not only to perpetrators but also to victims, family members, concerned friends and professionals.

Kate Harvey, director of public health for the Isle of Wight and chair of the Isle of Wight Domestic Abuse Partnership Board, said: "Addressing abusive behaviour is integral to a whole system response to domestic abuse.

"By intervening early and providing evidence-based support, we can help prevent further harm and improve long-term outcomes for individuals, families and our wider communities."

In 2024, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary recorded 26,238 domestic abuse-flagged crimes.