Consultation on domestic abuse strategy launched – have your say
Have your say
Shropshire Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board has today launched its draft Shropshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Strategy 2026-2029 and would like to hear from anyone living or working in Shropshire with an interest in tackling Domestic Abuse.
The draft strategy aims to drive a positive cultural change across all services in Shropshire, recognising the importance of a coordinated, proactive, and timely response to protect individuals affected by domestic abuse to enable everyone to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives, free from abuse.
Developed by the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board, alongside valuable input from victims and survivors through Shropshire’s Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) who are led by the Domestic Abuse Prevention team at Shropshire Council.
It is now important to obtain further feedback and the council is seeking people’s views on the draft to help form a final version.
The survey will close on 2 March 2026. Please take time to complete the survey, which you can access by clicking here.
Ruth Houghton, portfolio holder for adult social care, said:
“By opening this public consultation, the local Domestic Abuse Partnership Board is inviting residents, professionals, and community groups to help shape a strategy that genuinely reflects the needs of our rural county. Your insight will be pivotal in ensuring our response is grounded in the voices of those most affected. I strongly encourage everyone to take part and contribute to this significant work.”
Domestic abuse includes any pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between individuals aged 16 or over who are personally connected. Abuse may be emotional, psychological, economic, sexual, physical or digital and includes coercive controlling behaviours.
Who can be affected?
- Anyone: women, men, LGBTQ+ individuals, children, and adults from all backgrounds.
- Children, including unborn, who see, hear, or experience abuse are considered as victims (in their own right) in law.
- It can occur in any personal relationship, including intimate partners, family members, siblings, parent/guardians or those sharing parental responsibility and carers.
- People with protected characteristics, such as disabilities minority ethnic groups, faiths, or immigration statuses, can also be affected.
Recognising that domestic abuse can affect anyone is essential to creating an inclusive and effective response. It ensures support is accessible to everyone, including those who face extra barriers—such as people living in rural communities. The Rural Crime Network reported in 2019 that domestic abuse lasts up to 25% longer in most rural areas.
With around 57% of Shropshire’s population living in rural communities, our strategy places rurality at the forefront to ensure no one is left without the support they need.
