Decision

RESOLVED: Cabinet approved the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030.

REASONS RESOLVED:

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 is a landmark piece of UK legislation designed to transform the national response to domestic abuse. It strengthens protection for victims, improves support services, and enhances powers to tackle perpetrators. The Act placed statutory duties on Local Authorities to assess needs and work in partnership to address those needs. This includes setting up a Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board and completing a Needs Assessment to identify gaps in support, especially for those who are in specialist domestic abuse accommodation having left an abusive relationship. This strategy is the cornerstone of discharging that responsibility.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Cabinet has the following choices:

a) To approve the strategy

b) To request amendments to the strategy.