Draft Shropshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Strategy 2026-2029

This strategy focuses on the four priorities: 

• Victims 
  
• Perpetrators  
  
• Workforce  
  
• Community 

The strategy recognises that ending domestic abuse in Shropshire requires collective action across all sectors and communities. It aligns with national legislation as outlined in The DA Act 2021 and will be delivered through a joint action plan overseen by the DALPB.  

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.

The draft has been developed with input from members of the public through previous engagement activities and with partner organisations and other stakeholders. Working groups have influenced the development of the strategy, the contents of each theme and the strategic objectives and outcomes included. 
 
It is now important to obtain further feedback. Shropshire Council and its partners are keen to hear from anyone able to provide experience of living in Shropshire with an interest in tackling Domestic Abuse whether personal or professional. Your views on the draft will be welcome and help to form a final version. 
 
Shropshire Community Safety Partnership and Shropshire Council’s Cabinet plan to consider the final version of the strategy in April 2026. 
 
The survey will close on 2 March 2026. Please take time to complete the survey, which you can access by clicking on the ‘How to get involved’ tab on this page.