Redbridge Council uses virtual reality to tackle domestic abuse

 In 2020, Redbridge partnered with Antser Ltd to develop new intervention tools aimed at preventing perpetrators of domestic abuse from re-offending.

A virtual reality (VR) immersive story was created to help the perpetrators understand the impact their behaviour had on the victim and children involved and increase their empathy responses.

The story put perpetrators in the shoes of a young child witnessing someone commit domestic abuse and created a realistic environment to allow them to connect to the feelings and thoughts of the victims of domestic abuse.

Goldsmiths University independently evaluated the results and found that the experience had a profound effect on the perpetrators involved. One said of the experience “it’s impossible not to be moved” and another said “it was like going back in time…I don’t want my kids to grow up in the same environment like me”. Goldsmiths’ also found that participants felt emotions such as trauma, helplessness, guilt, fear, disappointment, hopelessness, and confusion. All participants agreed it gave them an insight into the child’s perspective.

Cllr Jas Athwal, Leader of Redbridge Council said “Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for Redbridge council, as we want all residents to feel safe in their homes. Our frontline staff identified that we needed to work directly with the perpetrators of abuse to tackle the root causes.This project enabled us to do this, using technology to allow perpetrators of abuse to see first-hand how their actions can have a lasting impact on children. 

 “The pilot studies have already identified that 85% of the perpetrators who took part in the VR study said it made them think differently about their behaviour. In the 14-months following their participation, 90% of the perpetrators had not been involved in any incidents requiring intervention.

 “We will continue to explore how this technology can be used to reduce domestic abuse in Redbridge and improve the lives of children and young people.”