Gloucestershire unveils new strategy to tackle domestic abuse
The three-year plan aims to prevent abuse, support victims, and hold perpetrators accountable.
A new three-year strategy has been launched in Gloucestershire, aiming to tackle domestic abuse and create a safer environment free from harm for everyone in the county.
The Gloucestershire Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025–2028 has been developed with input from victims, survivors, professionals, community partners, and the public. It outlines key priorities focused on prevention, support, and accountability.
The plan sets out clear objectives, including teaching about healthy relationships and spotting abuse early through community work and education. Services such as police, health, and social care will work closely together to better support victims and families.
Professionals will receive specialised training to identify signs of abuse and respond effectively, while person-centred services will ensure help is easily accessible. Perpetrator programmes will be expanded to challenge and change abusive behaviours long-term.
The strategy also addresses types of abuse that are often underreported, including stalking, honour-based violence, forced marriage, and child-to-parent abuse. It supports ongoing initiatives in the county to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), which is closely linked to domestic abuse.
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said:
“This strategy represents our unwavering commitment to ending domestic abuse in Gloucestershire. We are investing in prevention, protection, and partnership to ensure every resident can live free from fear and harm.
“By listening to victims and survivors and working collaboratively across sectors, we are building a safer, more supportive county for all.”
In the 2023/24 period, domestic abuse accounted for almost 20% of all crimes reported to Gloucestershire Constabulary. Domestic abuse can affect anyone from any background and includes various types of harm, including physical, sexual, economic, coercive, and emotional abuse.