Domestic Abuse Strategy consultation 2024

Consultation closes: 25 November 2024
Consultation opened: 14 October 2024

Domestic abuse is a serious issue that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background. Statistics show that one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives, which amounts to over 2 million adults in total. Women are twice as likely to face domestic abuse compared to men.

A full definition of domestic abuse can be found in appendix 1 of the appendices (PDF), but it can take many forms, such as: psychological, physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse, and can include: stalking, harassment, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, and online or digital abuse.

Data provided by Bedfordshire Police shows that in 2023/24 domestic abuse accounted for 17% of all crime in Bedfordshire.

Tackling domestic abuse

In 2022 we launched our Domestic Abuse Strategy, which outlined how we would work with partners to prevent domestic abuse and provide support for victims in Central Bedfordshire. It included five key things we wanted to focus on, and outlined how we would achieve them. All those points are included in this document, along with the things we have achieved in the three years since we launched the strategy.

Our current strategy covers the period from 2022 to 2025. Now we are reviewing it and writing our new strategy for the next 5 years; from 2025 to 2030.

We would like input from the public to help shape our future strategy, so we’re carrying out a 6-week consultation. We want to hear your thoughts on whether the actions in our previous strategy have been effective in tackling domestic abuse and supporting victims, and whether they should be carried forward into our new strategy. We’re also interested in any suggestions for improvements or additions that will ensure our services fully meet the needs of those affected by domestic abuse.