Bedford Borough Council has published a strategy to reduce domestic abuse and want local people’s views on their plans to tackle abusive behaviours over the next five years.
Following the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Bedford Borough Council has published its ‘Strategy to Address and Reduce Domestic Abuse 2021-2026’.
This sets out what domestic abuse means and what abusive behaviours are, which includes physical violence and sexual abuse, as well as threats, controlling behaviours, financial abuse, and psychological or emotional abuse.
The strategy sets out how the Council will work with partners over the next five years on five key areas of priority for the Borough:
- The provision of services in safe accommodation
- Raising awareness of domestic abuse
- The provision of services in the community
- Justice, recovery and ongoing protection
- Early education and intervention
The key aim of these areas is “to reduce the prevalence of domestic abuse, and ensure that where domestic abuse takes place, all those affected get the right support, quickly.”
You can download a copy of the strategy and respond at the Council’s consultation website, or by emailing DASupport@bedford.gov.uk.
You can also request a copy by writing to: Consulting Bedford, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AP.
Hard copies of the strategy will also be available in Bedford Borough libraries. Comments should be received by 23rd November and may be published.
Cllr James Valentine (Labour, Kempston West), Portfolio Holder with responsibility for domestic abuse said: “This Strategy has been written to reflect what we have learnt during a period of analysis, looking at gaps in the service provided for those experiencing and survivors of domestic abuse.
“Domestic abuse can take so many different forms, and it’s really important that we provide both intervention and education to stop it in its tracks, and help for those who are living or have lived through it.
“This is a really important issue and we have to get it right. Please give us your thoughts on our Strategy.”
