Domestic abuse strategy sets Herefordshire’s vision for the future

The strategy covers the three-year period to 2028 and was developed by the Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board in line with the requirements of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

It takes into account the findings of a needs assessment into domestic abuse carried out in 2024, which revealed that around 8,000 people a year in Herefordshire experience domestic abuse.

Several focus groups and surveys were conducted, including some with children as both victims and witnesses. These allowed us to understand the views and experiences of those with lived experience of domestic abuse. Common themes were highlighted to enable a person-centric focus to inform the strategy.

Four key priorities are identified in the strategy:

1. To improve awareness and prevention of domestic abuse and ensure robust support is available to those who have been abused
2. To improve understanding of domestic abuse so that resources can be allocated appropriately to support services
3. To collaborate with partners in order to address domestic abuse more effectively
4. To hold domestic abusers to account for their behaviour and support victim cooperation in legal actions.

The strategy is designed to be flexible to adapt to changing needs and national guidance. An action plan has been developed to aid implementation and progress will be monitored throughout.

Councillor Carole Gandy, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said:

Domestic abuse has a huge impact on the lives of the people who experience it. Our vision is for Herefordshire to be a county where domestic abuse is not tolerated and where everybody can live free from abuse and harm. Where people are living with domestic abuse, we want to make sure the right support is in place at the right time – and they know how to access it. Herefordshire’s Domestic Abuse Strategy for 2025-28 builds on the achievements and learning we have gained to date and aims to move us closer to that vision.

Zoe Clifford, Director of Public Health and Chair of the Herefordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Board, said:

Domestic abuse is a crime that continues to cause significant harm across all our communities with negative physical, psychological and economic impacts across the lifespan. The Herefordshire Domestic Abuse Strategy for 2025-28 recognises how we need to work in partnership focusing on awareness, prevention and support to create a county where everyone can live free from abuse and harm.

To view the full Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28, visit the council’s webpage.

If you are the victim of domestic abuse or if you need any advice or support on domestic abuse, please visit our webpage. In an emergency, always dial 999.