Decision

Salford City Council - Record of Decision (Cabinet)

I Paul Dennett, the City Mayor, in consultation with Cabinet in exercise of the powers contained within the City Council Constitution do hereby approve the publication of the Community Safety Partnership Domestic Abuse and Intimate Partner Sexual Violence Strategy 2026–2031

The Reasons are:

The Salford Domestic Abuse and Intimate Partner Sexual Violence Strategy 2026–2031 (the Strategy) is a five?year multi-agency partnership strategy to prevent domestic abuse, support victims and survivors, hold perpetrators to account, and strengthen multi?agency working across the City of Salford. 

The Strategy aligns with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and key national, regional and local drivers. Preventing domestic abuse and supporting residents who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse is a core priority for Salford City Council (the Council).  It is important that those who experience domestic abuse can get the support they need and that agencies work together to safeguard victims.

This is an ambitious Strategy recognising the scale of the issue within Salford – in 2024/25 domestic abuse accounted for 17% of all committed crimes recorded by GMP in Salford and our commissioned domestic abuse service received 3330 referrals. 44% of cases heard at the high-risk Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conference had children in the household and 95% of Bridge Referrals had domestic abuse related incidents.

Extensive consultation took place to develop the Strategy that involved a wide range of stakeholders, a public consultation, the VCSE sector and gaining the views of people with lived experience of domestic abuse.

The Strategy, through it’s approach to perpetrators and those who cause harm, whilst absolutely recognising the criminal justice response is essential, also advocates for supporting behaviour change in people who cause harm. Programmes commissioned to work with perpetrators of domestic abuse and our approach to these align with this principle and are evidence-based behaviour change programmes.

Options considered and rejected were:

The option to do nothing was rejected because it would leave Salford without an up-to-date strategic framework for addressing domestic abuse and intimate partner sexual violence. This would weaken the partnership's ability to coordinate activity, respond to emerging needs, and deliver on local and national priorities. Failure to publish the Strategy could reduce accountability, limit opportunities to improve outcomes for victims and survivors, and undermine the Council’s and partners’ commitment to preventing abuse and creating safer communities.

Assessment of Risk: Low

The risk associated with publishing the Community Safety Partnership Domestic Abuse and Intimate Partner Sexual Violence Strategy 2026–2031 is assessed as low because it sets out a co-ordinated framework for partnership working, building on established priorities, evidence, and legislative requirements. Publication supports transparency, accountability and public awareness of the Council's and partners' commitments to tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence. Appropriate governance, consultation and information assurance processes have been followed during its development, minimising operational, legal and reputational risks. Any potential risks are outweighed by the benefits of providing a clear strategic direction for improving outcomes for victims, survivors and communities across Salford.

The source of funding is:

Not applicable for the Strategy as the strategy has been developed through officer time.

Legal Advice obtained:

Under the legislationthe Council must produce a strategy setting outhow it intends to comply with its duty under Part IV of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to provide support to victims of domestic abuse and their children when they are in safe accommodation.  The Strategy set out in thisdocument supports this work and recognises delivery of the Domestic Abuse Support in Safe Accommodation Strategy as a key priority.

Barbara Gora

Financial Advice obtained:

Karen Wilcha, Senior Accountant

Dated : 26/05/2026

The Strategy is a comprehensive and well-articulated document, setting out a strong, partnership-led approach to tackling domestic abuse and intimate partner sexual violence across Salford.  It demonstrates clear alignment with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and wider strategic priorities, ensuring the approach reflects current legislative and policy expectations.

The Strategy is supported by funding through the Domestic Abuse Grant, which contributes to the provision of commissioned services for victims and their families, including those in safe accommodation.  Delivery is further strengthened through collaboration with the Domestic Abuse Housing Advisory core group.  This approach is informed by ongoing service reviews, needs assessments, and is subject to the availability and allocation of grant funding.

Procurement Advice obtained:

Heather Stanton, Category Manager

There are no procurement implications at this time.

HR Advice obtained:

There are no direct HR implications at this stage, although there may be some future impact on staff training as the Strategy is implemented.

Climate Change Advice obtained:       Not Applicable

The following documents have been used to assist the decision process:

Salford Community Safety Partnership Community Safety Strategy 2024 – 2027 and as listed in the Strategy Document itself on page 11/12 under the sections Domestic Abuse - the legislative framework and our strategic drivers.

Contact Officer: Jeanette Staley / Emma Stonier

Telephone number: 07967672659

The appropriate scrutiny to call-in the decision is the Community and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Committee              

Signed:        Paul Dennett                            Dated: 04/08/26._____________ .

                    City Mayor

For Democratic Services use only

This decision was published on 04/08/26.                                           

This decision will come in force at 4.00 p.m. on 11/08/26 unless it is called in in accordance with the Decision Making Process Rules.