New Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy set to progress
08 May 2026
A new five-year strategy to tackle domestic abuse and sexual violence across Northamptonshire is set to progress following approval at West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Cabinet meeting this week (5 May), reaffirming the Council’s commitment to making the area safer for all residents.
The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030 sets out a comprehensive, partnership-led approach to preventing abuse, supporting victims and survivors, and holding perpetrators to account. North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) is expected to consider the strategy at their Executive meeting next week.
The strategy has been developed jointly across Northamptonshire with input from professionals, partners and those with lived experience, and aims to make the county a place where abuse is neither tolerated nor hidden, where victims are believed and supported, and where perpetrators are consistently challenged.
Domestic abuse and sexual violence remain significant and often hidden issues locally, with 17,572 related incidents and crimes recorded in the year to March 2025. The strategy recognises the disproportionate impact on women and girls, while also acknowledging that people of all backgrounds can be affected and may face additional barriers to accessing support.
Built on a strong evidence base and extensive consultation, the strategy marks a shift towards earlier intervention, prevention and a whole-system response, recognising that long-term change requires coordinated action across services and communities.
The strategy is structured around five priorities:
- Early intervention and prevention
- Support and protection for all victims and survivors
- Building trust and confidence in services
- Coordinated community response and partnership working
- Holding perpetrators to account
The delivery plan will focus on clear actions, measurable progress and strong governance, including ongoing engagement with communities and partners, ensuring the voices of victims and survivors continue to shape services over time.
“This strategy represents a crucial step forward in our commitment to tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence across the county.Cllr Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at WNC
“We know these crimes have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities, and far too often remain hidden. That is why this strategy is focused not just on the right priorities, but on delivering real change through strong partnership working, early intervention and a clear focus on outcomes.
“We have listened carefully to feedback from partners, communities and those with lived experience, and we are committed to ensuring this is not just words on paper. Our action plan will drive a whole-system response, strengthen community engagement and build trust so that people feel confident to come forward and access support.”
As part of its wider commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, WNC will also strengthen this work by signing the Northamptonshire Women’s Charter, led by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. The Charter calls on organisations to take practical steps to improve women’s safety and create more inclusive and respectful environments across workplaces and communities.
Cllr Hastie added: “By also signing the Northamptonshire Women’s Charter, we are reinforcing our commitment to making our communities safer and ensuring that everyone - particularly women and girls - can live free from fear and harm.”
View the strategy on the WNC website.