Foreword

Welcome to the Cheshire West and Chester Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-2030.

Domestic abuse is a significant societal issue that affects individuals, families, and communities across the borough. It cuts across age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background, leaving lasting impacts on physical and emotional wellbeing, safety, and life chances. As a borough committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all residents, we must adopt a bold, coordinated, and compassionate approach to addressing domestic abuse in all its forms.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is committed to working collaboratively with statutory services, voluntary organisations, strategic partners, and community groups to build on the foundations of the previous Domestic Abuse Strategy. Our shared ambition is to create a borough where every person, regardless of background or circumstance can live free from the fear and harm that domestic abuse causes.

We recognise that domestic abuse is a deeply personal and traumatic experience. Our approach is rooted in compassion, safety, and empowerment. By listening to survivors of domestic abuse, valuing lived experience, and fostering trust across our systems, we aim to create environments where people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Together with our partners, we will challenge the conditions that allow abuse to persist, strengthen protective factors, and ensure our services respond with sensitivity, respect, and cultural awareness. This strategy represents a collective call to action and a shared commitment to healing, justice, and lasting change.

Domestic abuse has no place in Cheshire West and Chester.
We stand together to prevent harm and hold abusers to account through trauma informed united action. Together we must recognise domestic abuse, respond with compassion and build a safer future for all.

This strategy has been shaped by the findings of the 2024 Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment (DANA), which included direct engagement with survivors. It has been developed collaboratively through the multi-agency Domestic Abuse Board, which convened to agree the strategic direction and establish the key priorities.