CARA
Martin’s Story
Martin was referred to CARA following a domestic abuse incident during a previous relationship. Alongside exploring h...
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CARA (Cautioning and Relationship Abuse) is an innovative, award winning early intervention for domestic abuse offenders who have received a Conditional Caution.
CARA has been designed to increase not only awareness of domestic abuse, but also self-awareness and the motivation to address behaviours and make changes. It supports offenders in understanding what domestic abuse is, the harm their actions have caused, the impact this has had on their partners, children and relationships, and how to make different choices going forward and prevent these harmful behaviours from becoming more entrenched. The workshops offer support relevant to the needs of the participants and signpost to further specialist help, including comprehensive behaviour change programmes.
CARA sits firmly within the criminal justice system and is delivered in close partnership with police and, in some cases, third party organisations.
CARA was first trialled in 2011 in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Cambridge University and has since gained national recognition, including awards from the Howard League for Penal Reform and the College of Policing.
The evidence that CARA works is compelling: Since the initial pilot evaluation through a randomised control trial there have been several further evaluations demonstrating the effectiveness of this intervention. Clearly proven benefits include a reduction in reoffending, victims reporting positive changes, and offenders reporting a change in attitude towards partners and children.
It was an eye opener to be able to see and listen to what it’s actually about. I would encourage whoever takes this course to really pay attention because it’s thanks to this course that has given me and my partner more insight on how we can improve and maintain our relationship in a healthy way so thank you very much and I hope I am able to give back in some way or another.
CARA is an intervention for first-time offenders of domestic abuse who have received a Conditional Caution by police as an alternative to prosecution. Attending CARA is part of the condition attached.
CARA is currently delivered in 18 police regions, either by Hampton Trust directly or in partnership with a local provider. You can find out more about the current CARA areas on our dedicated CARA website.
Participants take part in two full-day group workshops, four weeks apart.
Following police involvement in a domestic abuse incident, suitable offenders are identified and referred through clear eligibility criteria.
They attend two full-day group workshops delivered one month apart which take offenders on a journey to understand the wider context and devastating impact of domestic abuse and support them to explore, understand and manage their own personal risk factors. Through this trauma-informed approach combined with meaningful engagement and skilled facilitation, offenders are encouraged to reflect on their behaviour, attitudes and assumptions, and are supported and motivated towards change through signposting to wider support services. The group setting offers valuable opportunities for peer challenge and peer learning.
As an improved criminal justice response for victims, CARA ensures the perpetrator intervention is safe for the victim by providing regular contact and clear guidance alongside the intervention.
CARA is proven to work: A Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary internal evaluation in 2021 saw a 81% reduction in future domestic abuse offending, and an evaluation in the same year by the University of Birmingham evidenced a 56% reduction of reoffending within the first 12 months.
Additionally, more than 60% of victims who are still in contact with the offender report a change in the offender’s behaviour after the first workshop.
With CARA being a criminal justice resolution, referrals are only accepted from police.
For further information about CARA,
please email [email protected]
or call 023 8000 9898.
If you are a professional, head to our Information for professionals page.
With the exception of our ISVA Service on the Isle of Wight, our services are aimed at perpetrators of domestic abuse and those using harmful behaviours in their relationships. If you are a victim/survivor of domestic abuse, there are a number of alternative services available that provide independent support or advice. In an emergency, always call 999.
Samaritans: 116 123
Rape Crisis: 0808 8029999
National Victim Support: 0808 1689 111
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Mankind: 01823 334244
Galop LGBT+: 0800 999 5428
24 hour advice line: 023 9421 6816
Hampshire/Portsmouth: 03300 533 630
The advice line is available to anyone seeking advice, help, support or access to services. This includes victims and survivors, family and friends of someone experiencing abuse, and professionals.
Isle of Wight: 0800 234 6266
Southampton: 02380 917 917
PIPPA is the domestic abuse helpline for Southampton. It provides help and advice as well as referrals to specialist services. It is open for victims/survivors and their family and friends.
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm
[email protected]
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