Issue - meetings
Adoption of the Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy
Meeting: 20/11/2025 - Cabinet (Item 163)
163 Adoption of the Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy 
PDF 526 KB
Purpose:
To seek Cabinet's adoption of the 'Gloucestershire Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy', which reflects the importance of different agencies in the county working collectively to address domestic abuse.
Recommendation(s):
That Cabinet resolves to:
1. Adopt the Gloucestershire Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28.
Additional documents:
- Gloucestershire Tackling DA Strategy 2025-28 (for districts' adoption), item 163
PDF 3 MB
- Webcast for Adoption of the Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy
Decision:
The purpose of the report was to seek Cabinet's adoption of the 'Gloucestershire Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy', which highlighted the importance of different agencies across the county working together to address domestic abuse.
Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience
introduced the report, and advised that the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board had prepared a countywide strategy for 2025–28. As a partner, the District Council played a key role through its housing functions and wider resident-facing services. Cabinet was asked to adopt the strategy which would guide Council activity and support a consistent, shared approach across Gloucestershire.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson and seconded by Councillor Claire Bloomer.
RESOLVED that Cabinet adopted the Gloucestershire Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28.
Voting Record:
7 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.
Minutes:
The purpose of the report was to seek Cabinet's adoption of the 'Gloucestershire Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy', which highlighted the importance of different agencies across the county working together to address domestic abuse.
Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Health, Culture and Visitor Experience introduced the report, and advised that the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board had prepared a countywide strategy for 2025–28. As a partner, the District Council played a key role through its housing functions and wider resident-facing services.
Cabinet was asked to approve the adoption of the Gloucestershire Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy for 2025–2028. It was reported that the strategy set out a clear and ambitious collective plan to address domestic abuse, which was recognised as a serious issue affecting communities across Gloucestershire. It was noted that in the previous year, Gloucestershire Constabulary had recorded a 32% increase in domestic abuse-related crimes compared to the prior year, and domestic abuse now accounted for nearly one in five of all reported crimes across the county.
The strategy had been shaped by the voices of survivors and focused on five key priorities: prevention and early intervention, multi-agency working, workforce development, provision of support services and safe accommodation, and tackling perpetrators to break the cycle of abuse. It was noted that contributions to the strategy came from public health, education, and social care budgets, as well as funding from the Integrated Care Board and the police. The strategy also recognised the needs of all victims, including men, boys, children, older adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from minority communities, in line with the Domestic Abuse Act and national commitments to reduce violence against women and girls.
Cabinet Members welcomed the strategy and emphasised its importance. Councillors spoke of personal experience, highlighting the long-term impact of domestic abuse and the need for public recognition of hidden suffering. It was also noted that abuse was not always physical, acknowledging the significance of mental abuse, and stressed the importance of support for all victims, including LGBTQ+ individuals.
The importance of addressing perpetrator behaviour to break the cycle of abuse was highlighted and the role of housing officers in supporting victims to access safe accommodation was recognised. It was further noted that all licensed taxi and private hire drivers Council had received safeguarding training, enabling them to identify and respond to potential abuse.
The strategy was described as a comprehensive and collaborative approach, informed by survivor experiences, evidence-based interventions, and multi-agency cooperation, with a focus on both supporting victims and preventing future abuse. Cabinet noted the significance of domestic abuse in the county and expressed support for the adoption and implementation of the strategy.
The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Paul Hodgkinson and seconded by Councillor Claire Bloomer.
The proposal was put to the vote and agreed by Cabinet.
Voting Record:
7 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.