On 16th July 2025, the Home Office unveiled a £53million landmark package aimed squarely at the most dangerous domestic abuse perpetrators across England and Wales.
The goal of the package is to tackle domestic abuse at its source, reduce repeat offending, and help keep victims and survivors safer, forcing perpetrators who pose the highest risk, to change their behaviour and stop offending as more Police and agencies roll out the tactics.
Why is this called a landmark package? Calling it this signifies a major shift, targeting perpetrators directly, rather than relying solely on survivor safety planning. It forms a central part of the Government’s Plan for Change, and pledge to tackle the epidemic of domestic abuse, which sees the Police record a domestic abuse related crime every 30 seconds.
The Government supported initiative, also called The Drive Project, demonstrates that the Government is committed to doing things differently, working closely with civil society and bringing experts into police development to improve the lives of working people.
The Drive Project has been piloted since 2016, to address the root cause of abuse through intensive one-to-one case management for up to 12 months. This includes using protection orders to keep offenders away from victims, alongside work to address drug misuse and alcohol dependency and behaviour change programmes. A dedicated independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA) supports the victim in parallel, ensuring their safety and needs are prioritised at every stage.
Results so far have been impressive, with results showing the percentages of existing perpetrators using physical abuse cut by 82%, sexual abuse by 88%, stalking behaviours by 75% and coercive and controlling behaviours by 73%.
The multi-million-pound investment will see up to 15 new areas going live by March 2026, with full roll out across England and Wales to follow.
The Home Secretary, Yvette Copper, said:
‘The roll out of these new programmes means the relentless pursuit of perpetrators who pose a risk.’
‘Through our mission to make our streets safer, we will take every opportunity to challenge and change dangerous behaviours, intensively monitor and manage perpetrators who pose a risk, and give victims the support they need to take back their lives.’
A relentless pursuit of perpetrators forms a central part of the Government’s strategy on violence against women and girls, shifting the burden of safety away from victims and onto the perpetrators responsible.
If you or any one you know if being subjected to domestic abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence and Abuse Department (DVAD) for expert advice as to what protective measures are available, either by clicking on the links, or by telephoning Johnson Astills on 0116 255 4855.
