A PROJECT tackling domestic abuse has been recognised with a national award.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Project CARA (Conditional Cautioning and Relationship Abuse), delivered in partnership with The Hampton Trust and the Crown Prosecution Service, won the policing and adults category at the 2015 Howard League for Penal Reform Community Awards.

The awards, held in London, recognise projects which help to keep people out of the criminal justice system by providing alternative, proportionate, effective and targeted interventions which will reduce the risk of re-offending.

Project CARA works with men who have received a conditional caution for domestic abuse.

They are invited to workshops which aim to improve the safety of individuals where a low severity domestic abuse offence has been identified.

Issues behind the abuse such as alcohol and substance misuse and the abuser’s trigger points are explored.

Hampshire Constabulary chief superintendent Scott Chilton said: “It is widely recognised that the way that police and other agencies deal with domestic abuse doesn’t always put victims first.

This initiative is aimed at providing a supportive approach with an emphasis on stopping men re-offending.

“The impact of domestic abuse on victims and their families is devastating and we are determined to do all we can to minimise the risk of physical and psychological harm.”

Chantal Hughes, CEO of the Hampton Trust, said she was delighted that Project CARA had received the award.