The Impact Project

The Impact Project is a partnership of local criminal justice agencies focusing on improving the progress of domestic abuse cases through the criminal justice system. The project works to ensure efficient, effective justice for offenders and fast, proactive support for victims.

Originally founded in 2015, Impact Project partners include London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), National Probation Service (NPS), HM Court Service (HMCTS), ADVANCE and Standing Together. Impact Project team members are co-located in the Public Protection Unit (PPU) of Met Police Service (MPS) Area West.

The success of the Impact Project is a result of dedicated, specialist professionals working together to share information and take action. Key parts of this approach include:

  • The IDVA’s expertise in supporting victims through the criminal justice system. This flexible IDVA role allows them to support victims for as long as they are engaged with the system, and form strong relationships with the key professionals responsible for the case.

  • Trained CSU Officers known as Officers in the Case (OICs). These officers handle cases so that victims are safeguarded through prompt information sharing and ongoing communication with the IDVA. They also complete of key documentation for special measures, restraining orders, and victim personal statements.

  • Performance & Review Coordinator (PRC) tracking cases to monitor performance, undertake necessary interventions and pre-empt any gaps. This ensures key areas of victim safety and protection are addressed to improve outcomes for survivors and hold perpetrators to account, minimising the negative impact of the court process on victims, and reducing the risk of cases failing at court.

The project is resourced by:

  • A part-time project manager, based at the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham;

  • A part-time performance and review co-ordinator, based at Standing Together;

  • 1.5 dedicated domestic abuse IDVAs, based at ADVANCE;

  • Metropolitan Police officers working in the Community Safety Unit (CSU).