Cumbria targets repeat domestic abuse offenders with Drive Project
Multi-agency initiative aims to protect victims and change offender behaviour
A new initiative targeting repeat domestic abuse offenders has been officially launched in Cumbria through the Drive Project.
The project, which involves police, Victim Support, and other agencies, aims to protect victims and disrupt patterns of behaviour among high-risk perpetrators.
Although the programme has been operational for several months, its launch was marked with an event held at Rheged near Penrith on 13th July.
The conference featured experts and individuals who have experienced domestic abuse.
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Stalker opened the event, highlighting its importance.
Detective Sergeant Cheryl Skelton explained that the Drive Project is a national method focused on tackling Cumbria's most severe and repeat domestic abuse cases.
She said, "The Drive Project in Cumbria is a police-led, multi-agency process tackling Cumbria’s highest risk, repeat domestic abuse perpetrators. It is a national way of working aiming to end domestic abuse and protect victim-survivors. It does this by disrupting, challenging and, importantly, changing the behaviour of perpetrators who cause so much harm to their victims and the wider community."
The Drive Project is not limited to Cumbria; it is part of a broader strategy to reduce violence against women and girls by 50 per cent over the next decade across England and Wales.
The initiative combines intensive one-to-one case management and a strong multi-agency approach to challenge and change offender behaviour, ensuring both immediate and long-term safety for victims.
Funded through the Home Office by the Cumbria Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, the project will see investments of £188,980 in 2025/2026 and £525,771 in 2026/27, adding up to £714,751 overall.
Cumbria is among 15 new areas in the UK to release this programme next year.
David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, emphasised the importance of protecting victims while working with offenders to prevent future abuse.
He encouraged anyone experiencing abuse to reach out to the police or Victim Support Cumbria for assistance.
Victim Support Cumbria provides tailored support to help victims cope and recover if they're unable or unwilling to report abuse to authorities.