Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Consultation

Overview

The Departments of Health and Justice are seeking views on a new draft Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy to cover the period from 2023 until 2030.  This will replace the current Stopping Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Strategy which is now in its final year. 

The draft strategy has been informed by extensive stakeholder engagement with expert advice from across the statutory, voluntary and community sectors as well as public feedback but, most importantly, it has been informed by the voices and experiences of victims including children.

The strategy is designed around four pillars of Partnership, Prevention, Support and Justice.  Within each pillar, outcomes and key priority areas are identified.  These will be expanded on in further detail in a series of action plans that will outline clear responsibilities and timelines over the next seven years.

Why your views matter

The Departments would encourage all sectors of society to take part in the consultation and provide views and comments on this draft strategy to ensure that it is as well informed as possible.

We are inviting you to share your views on its content and format to ensure we are taking the right approach to tackling domestic and sexual abuse.  We would be particularly keen to hear from:

• those with lived experience of domestic or sexual abuse;
• those from different groups and communities including victims from LGBTQIA+ and minority ethnic communities and those with a disability;
• organisations that provide support to victims including children;
• frontline professionals, such as those working in health and social care, education, housing and the criminal justice system;
• academics and researchers; and
• the general public.

We welcome views to help inform the content, actions and overall direction of the draft Strategy.  There are a number of ways that you can get involved.  

• Submit information, evidence and data by completing our online consultation which contains a number of questions in relation to each area.  To complete this please click on the Online Consultation button at the bottom of this page.
• A Children and Young People's version of the draft Strategy contains a number of questions you can answer.
• An Easy Read version of the draft Strategy contains a number of questions you can answer.
• Take part in one of our online public engagement events. 

Further details are on the Departmental websites: 

DoH Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy consultation

DoJ Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy consultation

The consultation exercise will also be supported by a number of online public engagement events which anyone can attend.  The scheduled dates are:

Monday 6 March 2023                       6.00pm –7.30pm

Tuesday 7 March 2023                      10.30am – 12 noon

Thursday 9 March 2023                    2.00pm – 3.30pm

Tuesday 14 March 2023                   2.00pm – 3.30pm

Wednesday 15 March 2023             6.00pm – 7.30pm

Thursday 16 March 2023                  2.00pm – 3.30pm

 Eventbrite Website

Before responding you may find it helpful to read the draft Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2023 - 2030