Essex Police launches new domestic abuse board with partners

That’s the message from the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board which was launched by Essex Police yesterday.

It is hoped the campaign will help to tackle abuse in all forms, ranging from physical abuse, to controlling behaviour, stalking and harassment and humiliation or anger aimed at loved ones.

“Working in partnership with The Change project, we are encouraging people to break the cycle of domestic abuse by changing their behaviour,” said a police spokesman.

And the new collaboration is looking to hit the ground running, with individuals helped by the Change Project candidly sharing their own stories in the hope of helping others.

Louise, a 24-year-old from north Essex whose surname has been redacted, revealed she would physically abuse her mother when she was under the influence of alcohol.

“My anger towards my mum started when I was living at home,” she said.

“I wouldn’t lash out at her all the time but when I had been drinking I would sometimes hit her.

“At the time I would feel angry but afterwards I would feel guilty.

“There would be a time where everything would be OK and then something my mum would say or do would trigger me off and I would lash out again.”

However, Louise says The Change Project was revolutionary for her, and she has encouraged others to seek help.

She said: “[They] taught me how to manage my emotions, how to recognise my triggers, how to remove myself and get time out so I can de-escalate my anger.”

The new board will use posters and social media posts in a huge effort to attract the attention of perpetrators and encourage them to recognise behaviours they are exhibiting.

In 2020, The Change Project lowered its age of referral to 16-years-old, in the hope it will encourage young people to find help and support to manage their emotions going forwards in life.

It comes as figures from Essex Police reveal the force had 31,087 reports of domestic abuse in the past year, making up 18.5 per cent of the overall recorded crime in the county.

The force’s Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan admitted policing and preventing domestic abuse is one of the biggest challenge officers face.

“We currently believe 51 per cent of victims of domestic abuse in Essex are repeat victims, and we are continuing to identify people across the county who are causing harm to their family or partners,” she said.

“We need to help both victims and perpetrators so that we can break the cycle of domestic abuse.

“Sadly, domestic abuse is complicated and we know it’s underreported, so both of these figures are likely to be higher.

“We must protect victims and survivors, but we must also look at innovative ways to break the cycle of domestic abuse. That’s where The Change Project comes in.”

Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Jane Gardner pledged the board is committed to supporting victims and celebrated the landmark launch.

She said: “Domestic Abuse is the largest cause of harm in our county. It is a devasting and abhorrent crime that destroys lives and causes significant harm to victims.

“Through the Southend, Essex, and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board we are committed to supporting the victims of domestic abuse and reducing the number of people who suffer from this awful crime.

“Changing behaviours, preventing crime and reducing the number of people who become the victims of domestic abuse is critical in creating safe communities where we can all live without fear.”