Better access to help for domestic abuse victims

New plans to make safe accommodation more accessible for those experiencing domestic abuse have been set out by a borough council.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) said a review of its current strategy had highlighted "gaps in provision".

It said an average of 3,000 reports of domestic abuse in the borough were made to police every year.

The new strategy will be introduced in the new year, "with a stronger emphasis on ensuring victims from the hardest to reach communities and with protected characteristics receive the support they deserve", the authority said.

There would also be a "sustained focus" on preventing domestic abuse from happening in the first place, said RBWM.

Changes include making information about help and resources clearer to the public.

While "good progress" had been made in recent years, the council said in a report there was "still work to be done".

In 2023, a scrutiny panel found domestic abuse content on the council's webpages needed to be signposted more clearly.

The report found victims who have protected characteristics, including minority groups, serving military, veterans and their families, should be given "special consideration" in RBWM's strategy.

The authority said it would ensure those with additional vulnerabilities or protected characteristics could access specialist support, including specific help for children.

Agencies and organisations also needed to work collaboratively to provide safe accommodation for all victims and their children, maintaining support networks where possible, it said.

The council said it would use the experiences of survivors of domestic abuse to help improve its services.

Catherine del Campo, RBWM's cabinet member for adults, health and housing services, said it was "vital" the authority's approach "reflects the lived experience of victims".

She said: "Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and takes many forms.

"This new strategy demonstrates our commitment to prevent domestic abuse in our communities and provide consistent, high-quality support for anyone who experiences domestic abuse in the royal borough."

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