Prevention-First Approach Support Thousands and Helps Reduce Crime Across North Yorkshire

Thousands of residents across North Yorkshire are benefiting from support services designed to prevent harm, improve wellbeing and create safer communities, according to a report presented to the Police, Fire and Crime Panel.

The report highlights how services commissioner by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority are helping victims recover from crime, supporting vulnerable people, tackling the causes of offending and investing in prevention before problems escalate.

The latest figures show that over 35,000 people were directly supported and nearly 45,000 referrals to commissioner services during 2025/26. The report also highlights that crime reduced by 2.8% across the region, equating to 1,290 fewer victims of crime.

The services supported through the commissioning programme include victim services, domestic abuse interventions, sexual violence support, restorative justice programmes, mental health and vulnerability services, and community safety initiatives.

Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said:

“Any victim of crime is one too many, which is why prevention and early intervention are at the forefront of Mayor David Skaith and my work. We know that if we can invest more into services that tackle issues early, support vulnerable residents, we can help prevent problems from escalating.

"Behind the figures in this report are thousands of people who have received support when they needed it most, helping them recover, rebuild confidence and lead safer lives. And at the heart of it all is partnership working, across policing, local authorities and the voluntary sector, we can make sure that every £1 of public money is doing the maximum to keep people safe across our county.”

A key focus is prevention and early intervention, including youth diversion activity, behaviour change programmes, domestic abuse perpetrator interventions, vulnerability support and wider community safety initiatives. The approach aims to address the causes of harm before individuals become repeat victims, offenders or high-demand users of public services.

Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) is a leading specialist charity in York and North Yorkshire supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, delivering vital support services while working to tackle the root causes of abuse through education, training and prevention initiatives.

Sarah Hill, Chief Executive Officer for IDAS said:

"It is vital that anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence can access specialist support as early as possible.

"By working together to raise awareness of the support available to victims and survivors, while ensuring that those causing harm are appropriately challenged and supported to change their behaviour, we can help people access the right support sooner, improve safety and prevent further harm.

"Early intervention and effective partnership working are essential to reducing the lasting trauma of abuse and helping people rebuild their lives."

The report also highlights the importance of partnership working, with organisations across York and North Yorkshire pooling expertise and resources to improve access to services, increase capacity and achieve better value for taxpayers.

Supporting this prevention-led approach, David Skaith, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire committed to increasing investment in community funding, enabling more grassroots organisations and local projects to deliver activities that build community resilience, improve wellbeing and help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.

Alongside local investment, the Directorate continues to secure external funding from government departments including the Home Office and Ministry of Justice, helping to expand services, pilot innovative approaches and reduce pressure on local budgets.

The report concludes that a continued focus on prevention, early intervention and partnership working is delivering meaningful outcomes for victims, vulnerable people and communities, while helping build safer, stronger and more resilient places across York and North Yorkshire.