A new service that aims to tackle domestic abuse by working to change the behaviour of perpetrators will continue to be funded, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend has announced.
Steps to Change, which draws together experts from a range of organisations focused on violence in the home, opened to clients last year after the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner secured £2million from the last government.
Funding had been due to run out this spring, and Lisa had called on the Labour Government to commit to continued funding for all Surrey organisations.
It has now been confirmed that Home Office funding for the hub, which is managed by Interventions Alliance, will continue until March 2026. The funding will support all three services responsible for delivering Steps to Change interventions – the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership, Interventions Alliance and Waythrough.
The service accepts self-referrals, as well as referrals through social care, GPs, delayed prosecution scheme Checkpoint, and the police.
Service to continue
As well as helping perpetrators to address abuse, experts work with victims, as well as children who are using violence or abusive behaviours.
A range of options are available to those who use the service, including programmes on healthy relationships and interventions for compulsive or obsessive behaviours.
Young people aged between 11 and 18 who access the hub are supported with specialist programmes.
It comes as Surrey Police significantly increases its overall charge rate.
Charges for offences related to violence against women and girls (VAWG), rape and child abuse have doubled, and the Force now among the fastest improving nationally for serious sexual offences and stalking and harassment.
Charges rise
Lisa directly helps fund a number of Surrey-based services, including the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, the Victim and Witness Care Unit, and the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership.
Lisa said: “I’m absolutely delighted that this fantastic service will continue to operate.
“As well as supporting survivors of abuse, this hub aims to change the lives of entire families by working with perpetrators to change violent and controlling behaviour for good.
“The service aims to ensure that no one ‘falls through the gap’ because there isn’t appropriate and available provision for them.
“Surrey Police has substantially increased its charging rate for offences specifically targeting women and girls in the past 12 months, and we must be ready to support victims, as well as to directly deal with offending.
“Abuse at home can leave a stain that marks generations, and supporting prevention is vital.”