Understanding perpetrators of domestic abuse

New insight about behaviours and patterns of perpetrators of domestic abuse has been generated by ecda’s most recent data project.

Commissioned by the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB), the insight provides a valuable new evidence base that can inform how we design and deliver services in Essex to support the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 that became law in April 2021 and made it a statutory requirement for local authorities to provide support and services for perpetrators as well as victims of domestic abuse and their children.

Clustering analysis of Essex County Council and Essex Police data was used to achieve a detailed understanding of what commonalities alleged perpetrators of domestic abuse share. 

The Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse, a subgroup of SETDAB is using the insight to inform its action plan to be taken forward by the Board and, , and provides an additional lens to their existing strategy. “The insight illustrates the complexity of needs in a very powerful way and presents the incredible opportunity to take forward some targeted interventions as a partnership,” said Jane Gardner, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Chair of SETDAB.

In August 2022 SETDAB launched a new campaign to encourage perpetrators of domestic abuse to get help from The Change Project to address their abusive behaviours. The campaign, informed by the insight, is called #Reflect on your behaviour, and launched across a number of media platforms such as ITV Hub and LADbible.

Page updated 16/8/22