Channel 4 highlights ground-breaking domestic abuse project funded by PCC Donna Jones

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones is urging young people to watch a powerful Channel 4 documentary airing on Thursday 18 December.

Controlled: Can I Trust My Partner? (Untold) features Project Foundation, a pioneering initiative funded by the PCC which sees officers from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary work with domestic abuse charity, Hampton Trust to reduce offending.

The programme follows real-life stories and investigations into how controlling behaviour can creep into relationships, often starting subtly before getting worse over time, making the victim feel trapped. It also showcases the challenges of tackling this behaviour under UK law.

Project Foundation is featured to demonstrate how the police and charities can work together to prevent offending from escalating. Together, they make unannounced visits to repeat domestic abuse offenders to disrupt the cycle of behaviour. Experienced practitioners then work with offenders to address underlying issues in their lives to help them change their behaviour. Offenders are identified using police data.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: “Coercive and controlling behaviour ruins lives, especially for young people who may not realise that behaviour they describe as toxic is actually criminal behaviour.

“Unhealthy relationships often begin with love bombing, grand gestures and constant attention, before shifting to isolation and control. Victims can feel trapped, isolated, and blame themselves.

“Controlling behaviour can take many forms. It might be a partner checking your phone or social media without permission, always asking where you are and asking you to prove it, cutting you off from friends and family, constantly criticising how you look or humiliating you, or even threatening harm if you try to leave.

“That’s why I fund services like Hampton Trust and their domestic abuse experts to work alongside the police to reduce offending and protect victims.

“I’d like to thank Channel 4 for featuring this pioneering work in its investigation into this issue.”

Detective Superintendent Nicola Burton, lead for Domestic Abuse at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, said: “Don’t give your partner the benefit of the doubt if you spot controlling behaviour, it’s a red flag. It’s not your fault. Sudden changes, or ‘love bombing’ followed by withdrawal, can leave you thinking it’s you, or that things will return to how they were. They rarely do. Please reach out, the police recognise the signs and we are here to help.”

Hampton Trust CEO Chantal Hughes said: “When challenged by their partners, individuals using harmful behaviours in relationships often promise to change. However, experience shows that real change requires specialist support.

“Working closely with the police not only disrupts abusive behaviour but also enables us to address the root causes and support long-term behaviour change. This approach protects current victims and prevents future harm, making it vital to report abuse when it happens.

“If you recognise that you are using harmful behaviours, we strongly encourage you to seek help through the Respect Helpline, which can connect you with local services.”

Support is available:

• Hampton Trust helpline: 023 8000 9898
• Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service: 03300 165 112
• Police: dial 101, or 999 in an emergency

• Respect Helpline – Freephone 0808 802 4040

• Online info and advice:  https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-organisations/

Watch Controlled: Can I Trust My Partner? (Untold) at 12.05am, Thursday 18 December on Channel 4 or on Channel 4’s YouTube channel or Channel 4’s streaming service: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/controlled-can-i-trust-my-partner-untold