Lancashire receives £745,000 to tackle domestic abuse

£745k has been secured by Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden to tackle domestic abuse in Lancashire. The money will be used to fund the Drive Project which aims to reduce the number of persistent repeat offenders and reduce the harm caused to victims and their children. 

Tackling Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence is one of the top priorities in the Commissioner’s Fighting Crime Plan, and this latest investment follows more than £7m of additional funding already secured since Andrew took up office. The Drive Project will be delivered by Victim Support in close partnership with other local services to achieve long term behaviour change and reduce incidents of domestic abuse.

Other areas of the country where the Drive Project has been operating have seen a significant reduction in the use of abuse amongst service users. An independent evaluation of the project undertaken by the University of Bristol found that as a result of the intervention the number of perpetrators using physical abuse reduced by 82%; sexual abuse reduced by 88%; harassment and stalking behaviours reduced by 75%; and jealous and controlling behaviours reduced by 73%.

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden said: “Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for me and the additional funding, secured from the Home Office, will make a real impact here in Lancashire.

“The Drive Project focuses on breaking the cycle of abuse by working with the most high-risk, serial perpetrators of domestic abuse with the aim of stopping them from causing harm to those closest to them.

“Whilst I want to see perpetrators punished for their actions, it is equally important to address their behaviour so that it isn’t repeated and further harm inflicted on current or future partners.”

Claire Powell, Area Manager for Victim Support added: “We really look forward to getting the Drive Project established here in Lancashire.

“The project has a proven track record in reducing incidents of domestic abuse and, as a result, keeping individuals and their children safe from harm.

“Our team has the skills and experience needed to help break the cycle of abuse and to make a real, positive impact in our county.”

Kyla Kirkpatrick, Director at The Drive Partnership, commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, Victim Support, and other local partner agencies to deliver our flagship Drive Project in Lancashire.

“Our aim is to end domestic abuse and protect both adult and child victims by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm.

“Together we will do all we can to make victims and survivors of domestic abuse safer in Lancashire by responding effectively to high risk, high harm perpetrators and reducing the risk they pose”.

Further information about the Drive Project can be found at driveproject.org.uk. Help and support for anyone affected by domestic abuse is available through Lancashire Victim Services.