New plan launched to tackle domestic abuse across Somerset
Council and partners set out plan to prevent abuse and support victims until 2029
A new strategy has been launched across Somerset aimed at preventing domestic abuse, supporting victims and families, and holding perpetrators to account.
The Somerset Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-2029 has been put together by Somerset Council and its partners.
It builds on the council's previous strategy and takes into account the findings of a multi-authority Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment carried out in 2024.
According to Somerset Council, an estimated 21,084 people aged 16 and over experienced domestic abuse in the county during 2023-24.
Over the same period, the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service received 2,435 referrals.
The council says the figures show why it's important to raise awareness, offer earlier help and make support easier to access.
The strategy sets out six priorities.
These are preventing domestic abuse and raising awareness, improving understanding of abuse within families, increasing access to safe accommodation and support, holding people who cause harm to account, tackling inequalities and improving access to services, and recognising and supporting children as victims.
The priorities will guide work across health, housing, social care, education, criminal justice and community services, with the aim of providing a safer and more consistent response wherever someone asks for help.
A strong focus has also been placed on children, who are recognised as victims in their own right under the new strategy.
Plans include earlier help, better training and stronger support for children and non-abusive parents.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, Environment and Climate Change at Somerset Council, said: "Domestic abuse can affect anyone, and we want every person experiencing abuse to know that help is available.
"This new strategy sets out our shared commitment to prevent abuse, act earlier and make sure victims, survivors and their families can access the right support.
"No single organisation can tackle domestic abuse alone. By working closely with our partners and listening to survivors, we can build a safer Somerset and hold those who cause harm to account."
Delivery of the strategy will be overseen by the Somerset Domestic Abuse Board.
A joint action plan will set out responsibilities, timescales and the outcomes partners want to achieve for victims and survivors.
The Somerset Domestic Abuse Service is currently delivered on behalf of Somerset Council by The YOU Trust, Somerset Counselling Centre and Alongside, formerly known as Julian House.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who knows someone who is, can get support by calling 0800 69 49 999, which is available from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
Online information, advice and live chat support is also available via the service's website between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
In an emergency, people are urged to call 999, and if they're unable to speak, to press 55 when prompted to be connected to the police.