This marks a significant boost in funding for domestic abuse prevention compared to the last allocation made by the previous government.

The investment will see the launch of the Drive Project in 15 new areas of the UK by March next year. We proudly delivered the Drive Project in Greater Manchester, and we applaud its expansion to tackle some of the country’s most serious offenders.

The funding injection demonstrates a renewed commitment to tackling abuse at its root cause. We understand that cycles of abuse can only be broken by working with those causing harm. We were pleased to hear Minister Jess Phillips reiterate that the responsibility for ending abuse lies with perpetrators and not those suffering from it.

While the investment into Drive marks a significant step forward, it is vital that the government also invests further funding into intervening before abusive behaviour escalates — including focusing on young people’s prevention and education programmes.

The majority of recorded domestic abuse incidents are classified as standard risk. Abuse is often patterned and progressive, and without challenge or intervention, abuse can escalate into more grave forms of violence.

We also call for more dedicated funding for victim-survivors as they must remain protected, supported, and central to all initiatives aimed at tackling abuse.

At TLC, we challenge abuse at every level. We work with first-time, standard/medium risk, and high-risk, high-harm perpetrators. We address unhealthy behaviours and attitudes towards relationships among young people, and always ensure victim-survivors’ needs are met via integrated support. It is only with this holistic approach that we can break cycles of abuse and create a safer future for everyone.