Launching Gloucestershire’s New Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy and Securing £2.7M in Funding

I am proud to announce the launch of Gloucestershire’s new Tackling Domestic Abuse Strategy, a vital step in our ongoing commitment to protect victims, prevent harm, and hold perpetrators to account.

The strategy was launched last Monday at an event in Shire Hall, Gloucester.

Domestic abuse isn’t just for the police to tackle; we as a society, and as professionals, need to do better to protect people, and prevent further victims. This work, at its core, is homicide prevention.

Domestic abuse and sexual violence devastate lives, families, and communities, and tackling these crimes remains one of my top priorities.

This strategy sets out a clear vision:

• Early intervention and prevention to stop abuse before it escalates
• Support for victims and survivors that is accessible, consistent, and trauma-informed
• Strong partnership working across agencies to ensure no one falls through the cracks.

But a strategy is only as strong as the resources behind it. That’s why I am delighted to confirm that the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, here in Gloucestershire, has secured two years of guaranteed funding from the Ministry of Justice for victims’ services. This commitment, worth some £2.7 million, provides stability and reassurance for the organisations who deliver life-changing support every day.

Here’s what this means for our County for 2026/27 and 2027/28:

• Core Victims Grant: almost £1.5M
• Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) Grant: over £1.2M

Totalling to around £2.7 million in funding for victims over the next two financial years.

This funding will allow us to maintain and strengthen specialist services for those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence, ensuring victims receive the help they need when they need it most.

It also gives our providers the confidence to plan ahead, innovate, and deliver the best possible support for our communities.

Domestic abuse is not just a policing issue; it’s a societal issue. Our new strategy reflects that reality, bringing together partners from health, housing, education, and the voluntary sector to create a joined-up approach that prioritises safety and recovery.

To every victim and survivor: you are not alone. Help is available, and we are committed to making Gloucestershire a place where abuse is never tolerated, and support is always within reach.