Stronger support and prevention underpins new domestic abuse strategy
Wirral Council is set to consider a new Domestic Abuse Strategy for 2026–2029, setting out a strengthened, partnership-led approach to preventing harm, supporting victims and holding perpetrators to account.
The strategy, developed through the Wirral Domestic Abuse Alliance, builds on progress made over recent years and reflects feedback from survivors, frontline professionals and partner organisations. It aims to ensure that anyone affected by domestic abuse can access the right support at the right time, wherever they first come forward.
A key development in Wirral’s response has been the creation of a Domestic Abuse Hub, bringing together specialist advocates and early help services to provide coordinated, immediate support. This approach is helping to strengthen partnership working and improve outcomes for those affected.
The new strategy sets out five clear priorities:
- Responding to those who harm, with stronger multi-agency action to reduce repeat abuse.
- Supporting victims and survivors, ensuring access to timely, inclusive and tailored support.
- Recognising children and young people as victims in their own right, with earlier intervention and support.
- Making domestic abuse everyone’s business, improving awareness and confident responses across services.
- Ensuring safe and stable housing, recognising the role housing plays in both safety and recovery.
It also places a strong emphasis on early intervention, prevention and joined-up working across services including housing, health, education, community safety and safeguarding.
At the heart of the strategy is a clear commitment that victims and survivors will be believed, treated with dignity and supported in ways that work for them, while responsibility for abuse is placed firmly with those who cause harm.
The Domestic Abuse Annual Update and domestic abuse strategy will be presented Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee on 9 June 2026, and Children’s and Young People Committee on 17th June.
