 | Targeting narratives of domestic abuse asking “Why doesn’t he stop?” instead of “Why doesn’t she leave?” |
Overview
Drive is a perpetrator programme delivered by us here at RISE for perpetrators who display high levels of harm. Our goal is to reduce abuse whilst increasing the safety of victims and survivors and rehabilitate people to make a positive change in their attitude and behaviour. DRIVE was created in partnership with Respect, SafeLives, and Social
Finance in collaboration with PCCs, local authorities, and service providers.
How Does DRIVE Work?
A case manager will be assigned to you to offer support over a period of 3-12 months. We offer support throughout this time to help remove any barriers by focusing on mental health, substance misuse, employment concerns and issues in the home. Behavioural change is the main goal we are looking to achieve with this programme and that is why we provide 1-1 intense sessions long-term; this way, we can focus on effective rehabilitation. We also have the assistance of the criminal justice system as well as local agencies to help disrupt domestic abuse by putting severe consequences in place if perpetrators reoffend in the future.
Statistics
Physical abuse reduced by 82%
Sexual abuse reduced by 88%
Jealous and controlling behaviour reduced by 73%
Harassment and stalking reduced by 75%
For the duration of the intervention IDVAs reported the risk to victims reduced in 82% of cases.
Police data showed perpetration of DVA (domestic violence and abuse) offending had reduced by 30% for Drive service users recorded in the 6 months after intervention compared to 6 months before.
Why is Drive different?
With our whole system approach, DRIVE incorporates an intensive case management system. From support work to disruption actions, the focus on behavioural change can be adopted in the most effective ways possible.
We have provided 5 skilled case managers to work individually with high-risk perpetrators, challenging them to change their behaviour, while always holding them to account. We are working closely alongside the Croydon IDVSA’s providing support to the victims, and the local borough police providing a diversion tactic.
We work closely with RESPECT, SafeLives, Social Finance and Croydon Local Authority to deliver the DRIVE project in Pan-London. DRIVE in Croydon is currently being funded by the Mayors Office for Police and Crime (MOPAC) and the Police Transformation Fund.
How Did DRIVE Begin?
The Drive Project was initially piloted in Essex, South Wales and West Sussex, and highlighted in the government’s VAWG strategy for its innovative approach to working with perpetrators. We were the first site to be up and running as part of the new wave of Drive Projects, with West Midlands, West Mercia and a new site in South Wales following.
To find out more about DRIVE and how to get it in your area, please contact us at info@risemutual.org or visit http://driveproject.org.uk.
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