PCC launches county-first pilot aimed at targeting high-risk domestic abuse perpetrators

A year-long Hampshire-first pilot aimed at fundamentally changing the behaviour of high-risk, high-harm domestic abuse perpetrators has launched in Southampton.

The Drive Project has been made possible thanks to over half a million pounds of Home Office funding and delivered through Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones as part of her pledge to help make victims and families safer.

Two women a week die in the UK as a result of domestic abuse while 100,000 people a year are at high risk of being murdered or seriously harmed.

PCC Donna Jones said: “I am committed to the pursuit of high-risk perpetrators who pose a risk to women and girls, either at home or on the streets.

“Too often they’re not held to account, and their abusive behaviour continues.

“The Drive Project brings together police, probation, adult and children’s services, housing, health and other organisations to intervene early to help prevent further harm.

“We must work together to challenge and change dangerous behaviours, robustly monitor and manage those who pose a risk, and give victims and their children the support they need.”

The Drive Project aims to address the root causes of abuse through intensive one-to-one case management. This can include police-led disruption approaches, alongside work to address drug and alcohol dependency.

Dedicated independent domestic violence advisors will support the victim in parallel, ensuring their safety and needs are prioritised at every stage.

Results from pilots in other parts of the UK have seen percentages of perpetrators using physical abuse cut by 82%, sexual abuse by 88%, stalking behaviours by 75% and jealous and controlling behaviours by 73%.

The project will be delivered to up to 120 perpetrators a year by Hampshire-based domestic abuse charity, Hampton Trust.

Chief Executive of Hampton Trust, Chantal Hughes, said:  “The Drive Project targets those who pose the highest risk to victims. This is where intensive, coordinated action is needed most, and where the consequences of doing nothing are most severe.

“We know that many people causing harm are also dealing with their own challenges, such as mental health and drug and alcohol use, and that these need to be addressed if we are to achieve lasting change.

“Through one-to-one case management, we can offer support that is tailored to each person’s circumstances, while bringing together agencies across the system to monitor risk and keep victims safe. As people progress, Hampton Trust has a range of interventions they can move into when they are ready, ensuring that the support doesn’t stop and that every step forward is built on.”

Chief Inspector Barry Hickman said: “The launch of the DRIVE domestic abuse perpetrator scheme in Southampton marks a vital step in protecting victims and transforming behaviour.

“Real change happens when agencies work together with shared purpose, shared information, and shared responsibility.

“By uniting local partners across policing, health, housing, and specialist services, we can intervene earlier, challenge harmful behaviour and create safer outcomes for families.

“Collaboration isn’t just valuable – it’s essential to breaking the cycle of abuse.”

Robert Henderson, Executive Director Community Wellbeing, Children & Learning (DASS & DCS) at Southampton City Council, said: “I welcome the launch of the Drive Project to help tackle domestic abuse, as this will help to transform the lives of people experiencing this violence.

“Creating a Safer Southampton is one of the priorities in our City Plan, so we will continue to work with partners from across the region to ensure that people can live safe, happy lives free from fear and violence.”

Kyla Kirkpatrick, Director of the Drive Partnership, said: “Victim-survivors tell us that as well as more support for themselves and their children, they want and need better responses to the people causing harm in their lives: they need them to be seen, held to account and stopped.

“The Drive Project has been working to reduce risk and increase the safety of victim-survivors for 10 years across the UK, and we’re pleased to see its expansion into Southampton.”

The Drive Project is part of a wider raft of domestic abuse services launched by the Police and Crime Commissioner last week. PCC launches unique domestic abuse service across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight – Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner

To find out more about Drive visit: Home – The Drive Partnership