Published on Tuesday 11 May 2021
Councillors will be asked to support the first Preventing Domestic Abuse Strategy and Delivery Plan at the next cabinet meeting on 26 May. The strategy was developed by the Community Safety Partnership who will be responsible for the delivery of the key priorities over the next three years. It brings together the foundations of the work within legacy partnerships and identifies how partners will work together to meet the ambition that "no resident living within or visiting Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole should live in fear of, or experience domestic abuse."
Domestic abuse is something that can happen to anyone and is indiscriminate of age, gender, race, profession or social background. It is estimated that if one in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse then this would impact around 53,000 women and 31,000 men residing across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The Domestic Abuse strategy has been developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and partners, including the police, fire & rescue, health, care sectors and service users. The strategy outlines the council’s key priorities for the next three years to help victims, survivors, their children and loved ones at the time of crisis and to be kept safe. These priorities include a commitment to working collaboratively across all services to prevent incidences of abuse, ensure availability of services to assess and respond to multiple needs and reduce the harm caused by domestic abuse.
Councillor May Haines, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, BCP Council said:
"Domestic abuse is an issue that affects many of our residents - victims, survivors, their children and loved ones deserve help at the time of crisis and to be kept safe. We are committed to working collaboratively with partner organisations to reduce the harm caused by domestic abuse across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, sending a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated. I encourage the approval of our three-year Preventing Domestic Abuse strategy and delivery plan which will help us take robust action, change attitudes and behaviours and support victims on pathways to ensure they can lead safe, healthy and happy lives."
The Preventing Domestic Abuse and Delivery Plan 2021-2023 can be viewed here
If you would like to seek support for yourself or someone else experiencing domestic abuse please call our dedicated BCP domestic abuse helpline on 01202 710777