Published on Tuesday 03 October 2023
A confidential survey which seeks to find out residents’ lived experiences of domestic abuse across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, has launched today.
Feedback from this survey will inform Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s domestic abuse provision, making sure victims / survivors receive the support services they need to heal and recover.
Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, local authorities have a duty to protect victims / survivors of domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over, who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Domestic abuse can include psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse, it affects millions of individuals around the world and often goes unreported or unnoticed.
Residents who haven’t experienced domestic abuse are also being asked to take part in a separate survey, to make sure a comprehensive review of domestic abuse is considered.
With these surveys, BCP Council hopes to provide a safe space for victims / survivors to share their experiences and provide valuable feedback – if it is safe for them to do so – to help shape services moving forward.
Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services said:
"Domestic abuse is a serious issue. It can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, race or age which is why these surveys are so important. All survey responses are confidential, and I’m encouraging everyone to go online and help shape what our future domestic abuse services look like.
"It is important for us to know what support works or how it could work better to ensure that survivors of domestic abuse are able to get the support they need in the way that works best for them."
"With the feedback we collect, we hope to make a significant impact on victims / survivors during their healing journeys."
Councillor Millie Earl, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities said:
"We are passionate about supporting our local communities and by listening to and gaining an understanding into these experiences, we can work with our partners to help ensure that survivors receive the right support and services to heal and recover."
This lived-experience research (which also includes planned interviews undertaken by an external company) aims to inform future work and developments in relation to BCP Council’s approach to domestic abuse, understanding the needs of victims / survivors; identifying gaps in service provision; improving service quality; and ensuring accountability.
The surveys which are currently live, close on 19 November. To find out more and have your say, please visit the survey webpage here.
Further help and useful contact details for people who have experienced domestic abuse can be found here.