Domestic Abuse Consultation
Safer BCP, the Community Safety Partnership for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), are committed to ending domestic abuse in all its forms across the BCP area.
To facilitate this, we reviewed our domestic abuse strategies and have consulted on three new draft strategies to cover our domestic abuse agenda in a comprehensive way.
We used national and local research and the voices of survivors of domestic abuse and their families, to help achieve our vision that Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is a safe area to live, work and visit.
The results and outcome of the consultation will be updated on this page when available.
Phases
Domestic abuse strategies
(Please note this consultation was undertaken on our old digital engagement platform - for transparency we have copied the text as shown below)
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The Strategies
The three proposed strategies are as follows:
- The draft Preventing Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-2030 is the overarching strategy to our response to domestic abuse across the BCP area, detailing our proposed priorities and how we aim to take our plans forward with partnership agencies.
- The draft Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Strategy 2025-2030 is focused on the provision of safe accommodation in the BCP area for survivors of domestic abuse who need support around their housing needs.
- The draft Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Strategy 2025-2030 is focused on how we respond to perpetrators of domestic abuse across the BCP area. The strategy aims to prevent people from perpetrating domestic abuse, thereby preventing the harm caused to individuals, children and society.
All the draft strategies will be accompanied by delivery plans once they have been approved, which will include actions and measurable outcomes that will enable us to measure the effectiveness of our response.
This will be monitored by the Domestic Abuse Strategic Group, which includes a variety of statutory and voluntary agencies and those with lived experience of domestic abuse.
Before we make any decisions, we would like to hear your views on these draft strategies.
How to take part
Please tell us your views by:
- Reading the draft 'Preventing Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-2030' before giving us your views using the online survey, The draft strategy document can be viewed here.
- Reading the draft 'Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Strategy 2025-2030' before giving us your views using the online survey. The draft strategy document can be viewed here.
- Reading the draft 'Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Strategy 2025-2030' before giving us your views using the online survey. The draft strategy document can be viewed here.
- Alternatively, you can download paper copies of the surveys in the 'Documents' section on the right side of this page and return them to the address below:
- Domestic Abuse Strategies Consultation, Research and Consultation Team, BCP Council, Civic Centre, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth, BH2 6DY; or drop them into the 'Have Your Say' boxes in any of BCP’s libraries
- You can also collect paper copies of the policies and surveys on request at any of any of BCP’s libraries.
Support
If you have any questions or need the documents/surveys in a different format, please contact communitysafetybcp@bcpcouncil.gov.uk. You can also refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information.
How to get help
If you need support urgently, please find a list of local and national organisations who can help you below:
- Local support organisations:
· BCP BCHA Domestic Abuse Referrals & Support Line: 01202 710 777
· BCP Refuge: 01202 710 777
· Housing 01202 123 147
· Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service (STARS): 01202 308 855
· Victim Support (Dorset support): 0300 303 0163
- National support organisations:
· National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247
· The National Centre for Domestic Violence: 0800 970 2070
· Women's Aid: 0808 2000 247
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The consultation will close at 11:59pm on 28 April 2025.
Next steps
We will carefully consider all the comments we receive before making any decisions about the draft strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the draft Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Strategy 2025-2030?
The purpose of the strategy is to set out the Safer BCP (The Community Safety Partnership) commitment to provide safe accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse. To identify the priority areas of work for Safer BCP around safe accommodation over the next 5 years reflecting survivors' and stakeholder's input.
What types of safe accommodation are there?
Types of accommodation include refuges, specialist support schemes for people with a range of needs, sanctuary schemes (additional security measures with specialised support so people can remain in their home) and temporary housing with support.
How can safe accommodation be accessed?
Individuals can access safe accommodation through referrals from support services and local authorities, or they can self-refer. More information on how to access these services can be found below:
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What support is provided as part of the safe accommodation service?
People can access specialist domestic abuse support which includes both emotional and practical support and housing related support. Additionally, peer support is available to help reduce feelings of isolation.
What is the purpose of the draft Preventing Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-2030?
The aim of this Strategy is to prevent future incidents of domestic abuse, ensure the safety and wellbeing of survivors of domestic abuse, hold perpetrators accountable and provide a coordinated community response to domestic abuse.
How does the draft Preventing Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-2030 aim to prevent domestic abuse?
By promoting healthy relationships. addressing harmful behaviour and creating a culture that does not tolerate domestic abuse.
What is the purpose of the draft Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Strategy 2025-2030?
The purpose of this Strategy is to create long-term solutions by addressing the root causes of domestic abuse. This involves holding perpetrators to account and supporting them to change their behaviour.
Can people who are abusive change their behaviour?
Yes, with the right interventions such as behaviour change programmes and support, individuals can learn to change their behaviour. However, it requires a genuine commitment to change and on-going support.
How can perpetrators of abuse start to change their behaviour?
Acknowledge their behaviour, seek professional help, attend a behaviour programme and commit to on-going self-reflection and improvement. More information can be found here: UP2U Creating Healthy Relationships
What are the legal consequences of domestic abuse?
Legal consequences can include arrest, restraining orders, loss of custody of children and imprisonment.
Who is responsible for implementing these Domestic Abuse strategies?
BCP Council’s Community Safety Partnership, along with various BCP Council departments such as housing, adult and children’s social care, police, criminal justice agencies, community organisations and support services are all responsible for implementing the strategy.
I am a victim of domestic abuse. How can I get help?
Call 999 if you are reporting a crime that is in progress or if someone is in immediate danger. For non-emergencies, you can call the police on 101. You can also find help here: Help with domestic abuse
Why is it important to address domestic abuse?
It is crucial to address domestic abuse for the safety and wellbeing of survivors and their families. It helps break the cycle of abuse and promotes healthier relationships. This includes holding perpetrators accountable for their behaviour. Would it be good to add something about treating perpetrators of abuse too?
Where can I find information about support services?
There are a range of services available across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. More information can be found here: Help with domestic abuse
How can I support someone who is experiencing domestic abuse?
Offer a listening ear, provide information on local domestic abuse services and encourage them to seek professional help. It is important to be supportive and non-judgemental. Help with domestic abuse
How can the local community help in preventing domestic abuse?
The community can raise awareness, support local services and create a culture that does not tolerate abuse. Community education and involvement are key to prevention.
What should I do if I suspect someone is being abused but they haven’t told me?
Approach the person with care and concern, express your worries and offer support. Provide them with information on local domestic abuse services and encourage them to seek help but respect their decision and autonomy.
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