> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Suffolk police programme cuts domestic abuse reoffending by 80%
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/suffolk-police-programme-cuts-domestic-abuse-reoffending-by-80/
- Published: 2024-12-13T08:56:49.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:27:40.000Z
- Description: A new programme helping domestic abuse perpetrators change their behaviour has seen 80% of participants avoid reoffending, Suffolk police have revealed.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Policing, #article, Suffolk Constabulary, Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police & Crime Commissioner, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters**: Domestic abuse affects families across Suffolk. This new approach focuses on preventing future abuse by working directly with perpetrators, rather than only responding after incidents occur.

![A man in a therapy session](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1734079925-man-in-therapy-2.jpg)

80% of participants avoid reoffending Photo: Zoran Zeremski (Getty Images)

**By the numbers**:

- Nearly 120 people referred to the programme since 2021
- More than 40 people have completed it
- 80% haven't reoffended
- At least 20 one-to-one sessions per participant
- 10 people currently in the programme
- 6 more joining

**How it works**: The Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Unit (DAPU) runs a six-month voluntary programme, jointly funded by the Home Office and Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner's Office, where participants:

- Meet regularly with a behavioural change caseworker
- Learn to identify triggers for abusive behaviour
- Develop coping strategies
- Get support for related issues like mental health and substance misuse

After completing the programme, participants receive monthly follow-up support for an additional six months.

**What they're saying**: PC Kelly James said: "The DAPU programme provides an opportunity for those committing domestic abuse to change, to learn what their triggers are and provide strategies and coping mechanisms."

Suffolk's Police & Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore called it "excellent work," adding that "many victims of abuse say they want the person abusing them to get help to change their behaviour."

**Support available**: The programme is open to anyone over 18, with translation services available. Referrals can come from professionals like social workers and police, or people can refer themselves.

**Bottom line**: While the programme is still relatively new, early results suggest it's making an impact in breaking cycles of domestic abuse across Suffolk.

### Independent local journalism is expensive to produce

It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners.