Purpose

To consider and approve the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership Strategy 2025-2029

Decision

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive:

a)       Approved the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030 for adoption and implementation by the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership Board, on behalf of the Community Safety Partnership.

a)       Delegated authority to the Assistant Director, Communities and Leisure in consultation with the Executive Member for Communities to take any actions necessary to implement the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy.

Reasons for Recommendations: The Council will be able to:

•           Comply with the statutory duty as the report and draft strategy will be in the public domain.

•           Undertake activity to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence where possible and to support a co-ordinated response where these crimes and incidents do occur, improving services and outcomes for all those affected.

•           In North Northamptonshire, between March 2025 and February 2026, there was an average of 22 incidents of domestic abuse reported to Police every day. Without a co-ordinated response to address this the numbers are likely to increase, putting more adults and children at risk of serious harm or death.

Alternative Options Considered: The alternative option would be to not adopt the Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy. This is not recommended. North Northamptonshire Council has a statutory duty to collaborate with its partners to Develop and publish a Domestic Abuse strategy for the provision of support to residents, having regard to a Needs Assessment. In addition to not complying with its duty, NNC and its partners would not have a clearly articulated direction or plan to improve the safety of the public and build stronger, resilient communities, which are a corporate priority for the Council.