CARA: Building Safer Futures together

Information for victims of a domestic abuse offence where a CARA course has been offered to the offender

In your area, the CARA course is provided by Hampton Trust.

What is CARA?

CARA is available to individuals who have committed a domestic abuse-related offence. As an early intervention, it is considered in cases where domestic abuse has occurred within a couple’s relationship or between family members.

CARA is an intervention for cases where the police assess the offender as low risk to the victim and the offender has no prior domestic abuse convictions.

CARA participants must attend two workshops on separate Saturdays, from 10am to 3pm, spaced four to five weeks apart. CARA facilitators provide support, signposting, and guidance for participants needing further help and information after completing the intervention.

What is the purpose of CARA?

• CARA offers victims of abuse the possibility of a positive outcome, including support and safeguarding.
• CARA helps the offender understand the factors that led to the domestic abuse incident.
• CARA helps the offender gain an understanding of what domestic abuse is and its impact.
• CARA helps the offender develop an understanding of safe conflict within couple and family relationships.
• CARA helps the offender explore personal risk factors and strategies to manage these.
• CARA helps identify future goals and strategies.

The workshops are free of charge. Partners, family members, friends and other associates are not permitted to join.

CARA as part of a Police Caution

After a domestic abuse incident, the police interview the offender as part of the investigation. If the case and offender meet the eligibility requirements, the offender may be offered a caution. This Caution can come with conditions, such as attending the CARA workshops.

Before the police issue a Caution, they should seek your input on this decision. CARA provides a valuable opportunity to help individuals address their behaviour and its impact on you and your family. It offers access to the right support to prevent further reoffending.

CARA promotes the safety of offenders’ families through a linked victim contact service offering safeguarding and support.

What support is offered to the victim?

The CARA team want to ensure your experience of the criminal justice system is a positive one. We will be contacting you between the two CARA workshops to give you the chance to share any concerns or ask questions you have about the intervention.

It is your choice whether or not to engage with this contact. However, your participation will help us to provide the best support and address any concerns you may have.

Additional support for victims:

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Victim Care Hub
Telephone: 0808 178 1641
(A translation and British Sign Language service is available on request.)
Email: [email protected]
Open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm

Hampshire Stop Domestic Abuse
Telephone: 0330 0165112
Email: [email protected]

National 24/7 Domestic Abuse Helpline
Telephone: 0808 200 0247