New South Yorkshire service to help domestic abusers

Inspire to Change is a new scheme allowing abusers to access help voluntarily, before causing further harm.

It is aimed at people who want to improve their behaviour, creating a safer home for their partners and families.

Inspire to Change can be accessed by individuals or through referrals from domestic abuse charities and agencies.

It is run by The South Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation Company (SYCRC), with funds from four local authorities and the South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner.

SYCRC director Amanda Cullen said: “What is different about this approach is that people can volunteer to get the help they want without having to be referred.

“It’s about getting the support they need early to prevent issues or behaviours from escalating and causing further harm to victims.”

“Inspire to Change helps individuals move away from using violence or aggression in their relationships and equips them with the skills and practical tools to understand the impact of their behaviour.

“It will also work to address wider issues linked to abusive behaviour such as addiction problems, debt and unemployment.”

She added: “Domestic abuse isn’t just about violence and aggression — it can include other behaviours such as control, mental and emotional abuse, financial and online abuse.

“Inspire to Change addresses these abusive behaviours and enables participants to make positive changes.”

Police and crime commissioner Dr Alan Billing said: “Protecting vulnerable people is one of the priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.

“By working collaboratively across the county we can target resources more effectively to tackle domestic abuse.”

He added: “Domestic abuse is often hidden and goes unreported, sometimes for many years. If we work together we can change this.

“Initiatives like Inspire to Change will help us do this, as well as to raise awareness with professionals through sharing knowledge and experience.

"In this way, we can maximise everyone’s potential to tackle domestic abuse and prevent future victims.”

Visit www.inspiretochange.co.uk to find out more about the new scheme.