A pioneering one-to-one programme aimed at preventing domestic abuse is being introduced in Bath and North East Somerset, thanks to a collaboration between Avon and Somerset Police, B&NES Council, and the charity Society Without Abuse (SWA).
The Open2Change initiative focuses on working directly with individuals who exhibit harmful behaviours in their relationships. By providing tailored support, the programme helps participants understand the impact of their actions, identify underlying issues, and develop strategies to change their behaviour.
Open2Change staff will be based alongside police teams in Bath, Radstock, and Keynsham, offering Behaviour Change Workers to engage with individuals referred by the police and partner agencies due to current or past domestic abuse incidents.
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Originally launched in Swindon in 2021, the programme has proven successful and was independently evaluated by the University of Worcester. The evaluation highlighted its distinct effectiveness in reducing abusive behaviours and enhancing participants’ wellbeing. These promising results indicate Open2Change’s potential to play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of abuse.
Louisa Wrighton, Open2Change Manager, explains: “Our programme targets the root causes of domestic abuse by focusing on those responsible for harmful behaviours. By helping individuals change, we can reduce harm, decrease repeat incidents, and promote safety for families in the B&NES community.”
Domestic abuse constitutes approximately 20% of incidents managed by Avon and Somerset Police, profoundly affecting victims, children, families, and communities. Chief Inspector Scott Hill, Area Commander for B&NES, emphasised the importance of intervention: “Project Bright Light prioritises the safety of victims. Because many abusers repeat harmful patterns, proactive behaviour change is vital to protecting those at risk. Everyone deserves to live free from abuse.”
Councillor Manda Rigby, B&NES Cabinet Member for Communications and Communities, welcomed the initiative: “Keeping victims at the centre of support is essential. I am hopeful that the programme’s success in Swindon will translate to reductions in abuse cases here.”
Since 1974, SWA has provided vital support to those affected by domestic abuse through education, prevention, and early intervention. Alongside Open2Change, their HOPE team works with children and young people in schools and communities to promote healthy relationships and offer trauma recovery support.
For advice or support related to domestic abuse, contact the 24-Hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
In emergencies or crime in progress, always dial 999. Non-urgent reports can be made via 101, the Avon and Somerset Police website, or through the independent Crimestoppers charity.