Video released from new Chrysalis Centre as part of 16 days of action to end violence against women and girls

Staff from a new domestic violence intervention hub have outlined their work as part of the 16 days of action to end violence against women and girls.

They have released a video detailing how the Chrysalis Centre works with perpetrators to address their offending.

The £3.2m project is set to run over the next two years following a successful joint bid by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire David Lloyd and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire.

 The Home Office pledged £2m with an additional £1.2m provided in cash and kind from Hertfordshire Constabulary and multiple local authority partners including Hertfordshire County Council.

The Chrysalis Centre operates as an intervention hub and will work with domestic abuse perpetrators to prevent or break the cycle of their behaviour. This offending type can include spousal abuse, as well as abuse against children and parents.

Bianca Moreira, Director of Operations at the Chrysalis Centre covers on the video how ‘it is for those who are presenting coercive and controlling behaviours towards their partners and towards their family members.’

 ‘We assist everyone who wants that support, we are here for everyone regardless of their age or gender. They can expect a lot of empathy and support in a non-judgemental way to really make their lives and the lives of their families much happier,’ she added.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “The Chrysalis Centre is about breaking the cycle of behaviours that feed into violence and abuse in the home. These behaviours disproportionately affect women and girls and this programme sets out to address such perpetrator behaviour and its causes, thereby seeking to improve the lives of their victims and those around them.   

“We remain committed to changing the story in Hertfordshire and work to prevent abuse and the harm caused by it.”

Currently organisations across Hertfordshire are supporting White Ribbon Day and 16 days of activism against gender-based violence which began on Saturday (25 November).

This year’s local partnership theme is - Violence against women and girls harms us all.

The Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Partnership is raising awareness and posting on social media about their work to tackle domestic abuse and VAWG throughout the 16 days.

The Partnership is also encouraging men within their organisations to make the White Ribbon promise never to use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence towards women. Members of the public are also encouraged to make the promise too – either on their own social media, within their own work or other organisations, or just to themselves.

The Chrysalis Centre is now open for referrals, including self-referrals, and more details can be found at https://chrysaliscentre.net/.