New initiatives to tackle domestic violence using the Priority Perpetrator Identification Tool (PPIT)

This research reports on three innovative pilots (located in Hampshire, Dyfed Powys and Greater Manchester) that have incorporated the PPIT into their working practices in order to establish a more robust identification and referral pathway for priority domestic abuse perpetrators. A process evaluation was undertaken between January and November 2017 to assess the strengths and limitations of each of the three pilots, compare the offender cohorts being identified, identify the strategies being undertaken to manage these individuals, and gather the perceptions of those involved about the effectiveness of these new arrangements. The research adopted a mixed method approach comprising interviews with practitioners (n=18) a number of site visits and a quantitative analysis of monitoring data of perpetrators (n=513) coming through the PPIT pilots. This research illustrated the many ways that practitioners can work together to create meaningful change in how domestic abuse is tackled in local areas. This is a complex area of work, which requires partnership working across multiple agencies to address offending that is both high volume and which can also be highly harmful to adults as well as children. Further research is required to systematically evaluate the full range of outcomes that are possible (i.e. in addition to the positive changes reported here, such as more informed and coordinated responses in the identification and management of priority domestic abuse perpetrators, do the actions taken within the PPIT pilots also produce significant reductions in re-offending and corresponding improvements to victims’ safety?). In addition to data gathered through the monitoring databases already in place in the pilots, future research needs to access the views of those perpetrators and victims directly affected by these new working arrangements and interventions. Finally, opportunities for mutual learning and critical reflection on practice should be provided to support practitioners and to help build a community of practice of key stakeholders engaged in this type of work.