Somerset Council and its partners have launched a new strategy setting out how they will prevent domestic abuse, support victims and families, and hold people who cause harm to account.
The Somerset Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026–2029 provides a shared plan for organisations across Somerset. It builds on the previous strategy and reflects the findings of the 2024 multi-authority Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment.
Domestic abuse remains widespread and is often under reported. An estimated 21,084 people aged 16 and over experienced domestic abuse in Somerset during 2023–24. During the same period, the Somerset Domestic Abuse Service received 2,435 referrals.
The figures show why it is important to raise awareness, provide earlier help and make it easier for people to access support.
The new strategy has six priorities:
- 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
- Recognising and supporting children as victims
These priorities will guide work across health, housing, social care, education, criminal justice and community services. The aim is to provide a safer and more consistent response wherever someone asks for help.
The strategy also places a strong focus on children. It recognises children as victims in their own right and sets out plans for 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, 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 that partners want to achieve for victims and survivors.
Read the Somerset Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026–2029 here.
The Somerset Domestic Abuse Service is currently delivered on behalf of Somerset Council by The YOU Trust, Somerset Counselling Centre and Alongside, formerly Julian House.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, support is available by calling 0800 69 49 999 (8am to 8pm, seven days a week).
Online information, advice and live chat support (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm) is also available via the service’s website.
In an emergency, always call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted to be connected to the police.
