Details of a new Safe Accommodation Strategy will be considered by Cabinet members next week.

The Domestic Abuse Act, which comes into force in March, has placed a statutory duty on councils to provide support to victims of domestic abuse and their children within refuges and other safe accommodation.

Local authorities are required by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to undertake a 'Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment' and develop a 'Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Strategy'. 

In response, the Isle of Wight Council commissioned a partner to undertake the needs assessment which has informed the development of the strategy and its action plan.

The purpose of the strategy is to ensure all victims of domestic abuse and their children have access to safe accommodation support services appropriate to their needs in order to live safely and that responses to perpetrators support victim/survivor safety

The strategy outlines the following six objectives:

• Preventing violence and abuse through early intervention and education.
• Survivors have access to a range of appropriate housing options and support services, which increase safety and prevent homelessness/loss of tenure.
• Lived experience shapes service design and delivery.
• Develop and embed a coordinated community response to domestic abuse.
• Improve our data and intelligence.
• Hold perpetrators to account while providing opportunity for change and support.

The proposed strategy has been supported by the Domestic Abuse Forum and has been consulted on widely with stakeholders, providers and both current and former service users.

Cabinet lead for adult social care, Councillor Karl Love, said: “These plans enable specialist support for victims in safe accommodation that helps support their needs.

"Our council priority is to make sure vulnerable people are protected from harm and have the chance to rebuild their lives in a safe community and in a place they call home.

“Domestic abuse in all forms is unacceptable and these plans will send the message that we will make sure victims have the support they need and a place a of safety.”

Subject to Cabinet approval next Thursday (16 December), the implementation of the plan will be led by the Domestic Abuse Forum and newly developing partnership board.

Read the Cabinet agenda and papers here