Issue - meetings

To approve the refreshed Telford & Wrekin Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy for 2026 – 2028.

RESOLVED – that:

a)    the impact of the domestic abuse strategy programme over the past three years, in terms of raising awareness of the agenda and offering expanded support to more residents who are affected be noted; and

b)    the refreshed Telford & Wrekin Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy for 2026 – 2028 be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Public Health and Unlocking Opportunities for All presented the refreshed Domestic Abuse Strategy for 2026–2028.

The report highlighted the Council’s continued commitment to tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG). Key developments included strengthened partnership governance arrangements, the establishment of a lived experience advisory board, engagement with over 9,000 secondary school pupils to challenge harmful behaviours, the expansion of safe accommodation provision, including additional refuge spaces and training provision for 95% of maternity staff to support early identification.

The report reflected on significant progress during the previous strategy period, including increased safe accommodation provision, expanded partnership working and improved early identification of domestic abuse cases.

The Strategy set out four priority pillars, supported by clear commitments and delivery through annual action plans.

Cabinet Members welcomed the comprehensive and partnership-led approach, noting the significant support provided to victims and survivors.

The Leader of the Conservative Group acknowledged the Council’s statutory duty to support victims of domestic abuse and welcomed the overall approach of the Strategy. While supporting the focus on women and girls, he suggested further consideration be given to services for male victims. He commented on recent data trends, noting the lack of a clear downward reduction in incidents. Finally, he asked what additional preparations were in place to respond to any increase in domestic abuse during major events such as the World Cup.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group welcomed the report and highlighted the strength of partnership working in tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls. He reflected on the long-standing importance of support services, noting the historical development of refuges and how the need for such provision remained highly relevant. He emphasised that domestic abuse continued to be a significant issue, referenced the high demand placed on policing services and commended the continued collaborative work of the Council and its partners in supporting victims.

In response, the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Unlocking Opportunities for All confirmed that whilst domestic abuse affected all genders, national data indicated that women remained disproportionately impacted. She confirmed that support and accommodation were available for all victims, including men and highlighted that over 300 perpetrators had engaged in behaviour change programmes.

The Cabinet Member emphasised that the Strategy was inclusive of all relationships, including same-sex relationships and aimed to ensure access to support for all individuals affected. In relation to concerns around sporting events she confirmed that targeted awareness campaigns and support information were being promoted, including during the World Cup.

RESOLVED – that:

a)    the impact of the domestic abuse strategy programme over the past three years, in terms of raising awareness of the agenda and offering expanded support to more residents who are affected be noted; and

b)    the refreshed Telford & Wrekin Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy for 2026 – 2028 be approved.