A new approach to tackling domestic abuse, backed by Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, is looking to work with a charity committed to stopping domestic abuse at source.
The Drive Project, which has been evaluated by Bristol University, aims to protect victims at the highest and most regular risk of harm.
It will do so by bringing together a range of agencies to work with both victims and abusers.
Drive will work with perpetrators to tackle the underlying causes of abuse, change behaviour and stop the abuse at source.
Domestic abuse perpetrators will be forced to change their behaviour via a series of intensive, one-to-one measures.
Measures may also include work to address drug misuse and alcohol dependency or to find alternative accommodation to prevent perpetrators returning to victims’ homes.
In the highest risk cases, action may include police intervention and putting measures in place like Protection Orders to keep offenders away from their victims.
Victims’ safety and needs will be prioritised at every stage of the programme.
One of 15 nationally
Cleveland is one of just 15 places across England and Wales chosen to deliver Drive, which aims to protect some of the most vulnerable women and children in our communities.
Drive is expected to deliver change and test new ways of partnership working, which can then contribute to Drive’s ongoing evaluation as it is rolled out across the country.
Spotlight on abusers
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matt Storey said: “For too long, we have focussed responsibility for safety on victims and their families – but they aren’t the people causing the problem.
“We need to switch the spotlight onto abusers and tackle the triggers and behaviour, which lead to carry out domestic abuse in the first place whilst also ensuring victims are protected from harm.
“We must do all we can to prevent abuse taking place in the first place. One victim of domestic abuse is one too many.”
The first phase of Drive in Cleveland starts in December 2025 and will run until 31 March 2027 with the potential to extend the contract for up to 24 months.
Organisations, who want to apply to deliver Drive, must be registered charities working in either the domestic abuse or criminal justice sectors.
Deadline for applications: Noon on Friday 14 November 2025
Apply to deliver Drive here