Alongside core Government funding, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) also secures additional grants to tackle priority issues affecting communities across Suffolk. These targeted funds support projects designed to address specific challenges, improve safety, and deliver meaningful local impact.
The Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programme is one of the initiatives currently being delivered through this additional funding.
In 2020, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) successfully secured funding to launch the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programme. Delivered in partnership with Suffolk Constabulary, local charities Iceni and Leeway Domestic Violence and Abuse Services, the programme combines:
- One‑to‑one behaviour‑change work led by Suffolk Constabulary
- Conditional Caution Programme (also known as ARC) workshops delivered by Suffolk Constabulary for first time offenders
- Iceni’s expanded Venta Programme, a specialist group intervention challenging harmful behaviour
- Support for all associated victims including children, incorporating Leeway's support to children and young people
Funding Journey at a Glance
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2020–2021: Initial Home Office grant of £238,307 launched the programme, with partner match‑funding enabling delivery through to September 2021
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2021–2022: A further £246,000 was awarded to continue the programme for another six months.
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2022–2023: Funding of £246,000 for a full year supported continued delivery, alongside £110,000 match‑funding from Suffolk Constabulary and Iceni
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2023–2025: Suffolk secured £652,014 over two years through the national Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Intervention Fund (2023/24: £320,059 grant + £278,000 match‑funding, 2024/25: £331,955 grant + £289,000 match‑funding)
- 2025–2026: A further £331,955 was awarded for continued delivery through to March 2026.
Achievements
The last three years of the programme have seen great success:
- 285 perpetrators worked with to date (both 1-1 and group sessions)
- 285 victims supported to date, including 125 children and young people
- Non-offending rates of 80%
- 80% increase in wellbeing from victims, leading to a decrease in social care interventions, reduced risk to children and an improved capacity to parent
Award winning initiative
In October 2025, Suffolk Constabulary launched its in‑house Conditional Caution Programme (ARC) for standard‑risk domestic abuse cases — the first initiative of its kind in the UK. ARC provides reflective workshops designed to help individuals recognise the impact of their behaviour, strengthen emotional regulation, and connect with appropriate support services.
On 27 January 2026, the programme received national recognition when the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP) named ARC runner-up in the Suspect‑Focused Initiatives in Public Protection category at its annual awards event.
