David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and MP Josh Macalister visited The Freedom Project, Cumbria to ask how they can further support victims and perpetrators of Domestic Abuse in the county.
From 1st April 2024 - 31st March 2025, The Freedom Project supported 752 individuals from Cumbria, of which 586 were victim/survivors (525 female, 60 male and 1 nonbinary), 31 perpetrators (26 male, 5 female), 135 children and young people. For the same time period, one-to-one therapy sessions were delivered to 4,000 adults and 800 sessions to children and young people.
Any action that intentionally harms or injures another person is considered as abuse. Domestic abuse is any form of controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse that takes place in an intimate or family relationship.
Abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial. It can also include controlling behaviour such as restricting access to money, isolating someone from friends and family, or manipulating their sense of reality.
Talking about his visit to The Freedom Project, Commissioner David Allen said: “It was very clear from my visit just how committed and professional all of the staff, counsellors and trustee members of The Freedom Project are.
“This is why I am continuing to support their work with £40,356 of funding for 2025/26 on top of the £121,073 my office has provided over the last three years.
“Their services and interventions deliver incredibly effective outcomes and strong long-term rehabilitation for victims, perpetrators and their close family members.
“Domestic abuse isn’t just about violence; it’s about power and control. The effect can be long-lasting and affect not only the person experiencing the abuse but also their children, families and communities.
“For some people it’s not easy to believe that the person they love, has the need to abuse them. The Freedom Project helps by encouraging people to take control of their own lives and understand what is happening in their relationship.
“It can be extremely difficult to seek help and challenge someone’s behaviour particularly when you share a close bond with them. The Freedom project provides a combination of advice, information, guidance, one-to-one and peer group mentoring – all designed to help people make long-term and lasting changes to their lives.”
Vicky Pike, Charity Manager at The Freedom Project comments: "We were delighted to welcome Commissioner David Allen and MP Josh MacAlister to The Freedom Project to share the work we’re doing to support individuals and families affected by domestic abuse across Cumbria.
“Domestic abuse is deeply complex and often hidden behind closed doors. The damage it causes extends far beyond the immediate victim – impacting children, families and entire communities. That’s why our work focuses not just on counselling support, but on long-term recovery, prevention and breaking the cycle of abuse.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the Commissioner’s continued support and investment. It is through partnerships like this that we can keep our doors open, keep listening, and keep walking alongside survivors and those ready to change. Together, we can help people rebuild safer, healthier lives.”
MP Josh MacAlister comments: “Services like the Freedom Project provide vital support to women fleeing domestic abuse and violence in West Cumbria.
“Halving violence against women and girls is a mission of the Government which I support wholeheartedly. I’ll be working closely with Commissioner David Allen on the local action necessary to achieve this in Cumbria.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ashton, Cumbria Constabulary, said:
“Services such as The Freedom Project can play a pivotal role in supporting those who have been subjected to domestic abuse.
“We would also urge individuals who are responsible for abusive behaviour to think about what they are doing, stop - and seek help. There are services available which are invaluable in preventing further offences taking place and thereby helping victims.
“Nobody should ever have to suffer domestic abuse – and if you’re worried, there is help available right now.
“We take reports seriously and we treat all cases with sensitivity.
“If you are suffering, please get in touch. We are here to help and support you.”
How do you report domestic abuse to police?
If you have been the victim of domestic abuse, or are concerned for someone who is, you can report this by calling 101. You can also report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it.
Always dial 999 in an emergency.
If you wish to make a referral into The Freedom project, please see the contact form on their website, or email admin@freedom-project-west-cumbria.org.uk or call their helpline on 07712117986.
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.