An evidence-backed project that aims to change the behaviour of people who abuse their loved ones will launch in Cleveland next month.
The Drive Project is a multiagency approach to reduce the harm caused by domestic abuse, through intensive management of high-risk, high-harm, serial perpetrators.
It brings together agencies from across Cleveland, to undertake intensive monitoring, disruption tactics and behavioural interventions for abusers.
The key features of the Drive Project model can include a combination of intensive one-to-one case management to challenge and change perpetrator behaviour, and a coordinated multi-agency response that can include police-led disruption approaches. The Drive Project model will always include dedicated Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) and parallel work with victim-survivors and services to prioritise their safety and needs, in line with the Respect Standard.
Cleveland will take part in the next phase out of the Drive Project, which is part of the Government’s efforts to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the next decade.
It will be delivered from April 2026 by national charity Cranstoun, who have experience in delivering the project in other areas of the country.
The scheme was first introduced nationally in 2016. When evaluated by the University of Bristol, researchers found that physical abuse of service users reduced by 82%, whilst sexual abuse reduced by 88%.
Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey will invest over £350,000 of Government funding to commission the scheme up to March 2027.
He said: “It’s incredibly important we disrupt the behaviour of the most harmful domestic abuse perpetrators, to keep their victims and their children safe.
“That’s why I launched the first ever Tees-wide Domestic Abuse Perpetration Strategy last year, to place the onus to amend behaviour on abusers – not their victims.
“The Drive Project challenges abusers to look closely at their actions and attitudes, then gives them measures to make lifelong changes and prevent future harm.
“Abusers must always face the full force of the law, including criminal prosecution, but I’m hopeful this scheme will bring their repeated abusive behaviour to an end for good.”
A police officer from Cleveland Police will assist part-time with the project, developing pathways for high-risk perpetrators or victims to be identified and referred into the service.
In the year to March 2025, there were 20,355 domestic abuse related incidents and crimes recorded in the Cleveland Police force area. This is the second highest rate per 1,000 population in England and Wales.
Cleveland has the highest level of domestic abuse-related stalking and harassment, with over 3,500 offences reported over the same time period.
Superintendent Chris Motson said: “By addressing the offender’s behaviour and identifying any underlying issues, we can take a more innovative and proactive approach to tackling domestic abuse and protecting the communities we serve.
“We’re committed to bringing offenders before the courts to face justice but it’s crucial we look at longer-term solutions. Our involvement in Drive forms part of our ongoing work to consistently improve our response to domestic abuse and our service to victims.
“I understand how daunting it is to come forward and report domestic abuse to police and I’d like to reassure victims that you will be listened to and you will be believed. We are here to help you.”
Maria Cripps, Assistant Director of Domestic Abuse Services at Cranstoun said:
“We are proud to be delivering the Drive Project across Cleveland and working closely with partners across the area to support victim-survivors of domestic abuse and hold perpetrators to account.
“Each year, we work with thousands of people across the country to challenge and change abusive behaviours. The Drive Project ensures increased safety for victim-survivors and children through evidence-based practices in holding perpetrators to account, and we are looking forward to be expanding this work to Cleveland.”
You can report domestic abuse to Cleveland Police 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and there are also excellent local organisations who can help you. You can use the 101 number to contact Cleveland Police at any time – but always use 999 in an emergency.