Perpetrator Focused Approach is Essential in New Government Package in tackling VAWG Says NTIA

17 July 2025 - Press release

On 16 July, the Government unveiled a £53 million landmark package to directly target the most dangerous domestic abuse perpetrators as part of its Plan for Change, aiming to halve violence against women within a decade.

The focus is shifting firmly onto perpetrators, with a strategy designed to stop abuse at its source, reduce reoffending, and better protect women and children.

Key measures include:

Expansion of the Drive Project across England and Wales, which uses intensive case management, police disruption tactics, and wraparound victim support to reduce physical, sexual, and controlling abuse.
Deployment of specially trained officers to target predatory behaviour in nightlife settings through Project Vigilant, including plain-clothed patrols and new tools like drug-detection sniffer dogs.
An additional £230,000 investment to trial enhanced tactics in nightlife and public spaces, especially targeting spiking and predatory behaviour.

This multi-pronged approach acknowledges the systemic nature of gender-based violence, and seeks to create a national shift where perpetrators - not victims - carry the responsibility for change. The strategy builds on proven models and community partnerships, including domestic abuse services, policing bodies, and civil society groups.

Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association:

“We welcome today’s announcement and fully support the Government’s £53 million package to target the most dangerous domestic abuse perpetrators. A perpetrator-focused approach is essential—accountability must lie with those who commit these crimes, not the women who endure them.

We understand that predatory behaviour is a pervasive issue within society and must be addressed wherever it occurs—across communities, public spaces, and institutions. Over recent years, the industry has worked hard to drive awareness and put robust mitigations in place - through staff training, use of CCTV, awareness campaigns and strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders and policing.

Today’s announcement—particularly the expansion of the Drive Project and Project Vigilant, as well as the introduction of specially-trained officers to address predatory behaviour—is a vital step toward tackling the root causes of abuse. It will provide greater protection for women and support operators in disrupting harmful behaviours early.

The NTIA is committed to supporting the Government’s Plan for Change and its goal to halve violence against women within a decade. We will continue working closely with Government, policing, and local authorities to embed a perpetrator-focused culture of safety and accountability throughout the night time economy.”

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