South Yorkshire is set to benefit from more than half a million pounds in Home Office funding, as part of the Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Intervention Fund, aimed at increasing the availability of domestic abuse perpetrator intervention schemes.

The funding is set to be delivered over two years and will allow Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to increase and develop new schemes in their areas, such as behaviour change programmes that aim to improve victim safety and reduce the risk posed by abusers.

The Office of South Yorkshire PCC, Dr Alan Billings, successfully secured funding to continue existing work and develop new initiatives.

Through previous funding the PCC has commissioned a children and adolescents programme and a stalking programme. These interventions are aimed at changing the behaviour patterns of perpetrators and stopping those responsible committing such crimes in the future.

South Yorkshire have been awarded £313,648 for 2023/24 and £342,421 for 2024/25.

Following the funding announcement, Dr Billings said: “Working with perpetrators to challenge and change their behaviour and reduce the risk they pose is vital in protecting victims of domestic abuse.

“We saw incidents of domestic abuse and sexual violence rise during the pandemic, which required a shift in how we respond.

“This new funding will allow my office to continue to deliver support and collaboration with police and partner agencies in working towards a reduction in the risk posed by perpetrators and improved safety, and feelings of safety, for any associated victims and their children.”