Purpose

To gain agreement by Cabinet to publish the Prevention of Domestic Abuse Strategy, Safe Accommodation Strategy and the Perpetrator Strategy including delivery plans.

Decision

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved: -

·      The overarching Safer BCP Prevention of Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-31

·      The Safe Accommodation Strategy 2026-31

·      The Perpetrator Strategy 2026-31

·      The accompanying Safe Accommodation & Community Services Commissioning Plan

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Housing and Regulatory Services

Reason

It is a statutory requirement under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 for local authorities to create a Safe Accommodation strategy every five years.

These three strategies form the Council’s strategic framework to preventing and respond to domestic abuse across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) in partnership with statutory and voluntary sector agencies.

Whilst it is not a requirement to have a Perpetrator Strategy or an overarching Preventing Domestic Abuse Strategy, the Community Safety Partnership have developed these complimentary strategies to focus on preventative, early intervention work and ensure that a holistic approach is taken to addressing domestic abuse and perpetrating behaviours in BCP.

All three strategies have been developed through significant public consultation and development, including lived experience groups, Councillor task and finish group and wider stakeholder engagement.

The commissioning plan that accompanies the strategies will inform the commissioning of our domestic abuse services in BCP.

This Cabinet report accompanies the three Domestic Abuse Strategies as part of the Safer CSP Community Safety Partnership’s commitment in response to Domestic Abuse in line with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.