New strategy to tackle domestic abuse launched

The Gloucestershire Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025–2028 was created with input from victims, survivors, professionals, community partners and the public. It focuses on working together to: 

• Prevent abuse before it starts.
• Support victims and survivors. 
• Hold perpetrators to account.  

Domestic abuse can affect anyone from any background and includes physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse and psychological and emotional abuse. In 2023/24, almost 20% of all crimes reported to Gloucestershire Constabulary were domestic abuse.   

The key priorities of the strategy are: 

• Prevention and early help: Teaching about healthy relationships and spotting abuse early through education and community work.
• Working together: Making sure services like police, health, and social care work closely together to support victims and their families. 
• Training professionals: Giving staff the training and knowledge to spot the signs of abuse and respond effectively.
• Better support from services: Making sure help is easy to access and is person-centred.
• Changing perpetrator behaviour: Expanding programmes that challenge abusive behaviour and help people change for good. 

The strategy also looks at types of abuse that are often hidden or underreported, including stalking, honour-based violence, forced marriage, and child-to-parent abuse.  

It also supports the wider work being done in the county to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), as this is closely linked to domestic abuse. 

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Public Health said: 

“This strategy represents our unwavering commitment to ending domestic abuse in Gloucestershire. We are investing in prevention, protection, and partnership to ensure every resident can live free from fear and harm. 

“By listening to victims and survivors and working collaboratively across sectors, we are building a safer, more supportive county for all.” 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available: 

• Call GDASS on 01452 726 570 for support to victims and survivors who are aged 16 years and above. Visit www.gdass.org.uk. 
• Call STREET (Safe Teenage Relationship Education and Empowerment Team) on 01452 228 802 for young people aged 13 to 19 years who have experienced harmful relationship behaviours/domestic abuse within their own relationships, or those who are using harmful behaviours/domestic abuse in their own relationships. Visit
• Call PRG (Positive Relationships Gloucestershire) on 01452 529 866, the behaviour change service for those aged 18 years and above who want to make positive changes to improve their relationships. Visit 

Photo: 

Nick Evans, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire
Sarah Truelove, Chief Executive, NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board  
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Lead Cabinet Member for Public Health
Siobhan Farmer, Director of Public Health, Gloucestershire County Council
Ian Fletcher, Detective Superintendent and Domestic Abuse Lead, Gloucestershire Constabulary