Countywide commitment renewed to ending domestic abuse and sexual violence in Northamptonshire
Communities15 July 2026
A new countywide strategy to tackle domestic abuse and sexual violence has been co-produced by people with lived experience, specialist support services, community organisations, statutory partners and local authorities across Northamptonshire.
Developed by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) with partners across the county, the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026–2030 is shaped by the voices of victims and survivors and sets out a shared commitment to preventing abuse, improving support and holding perpetrators to account.
The strategy provides a coordinated framework for action to make Northamptonshire a place where abuse is neither tolerated nor hidden. Informed by extensive engagement, consultation and local needs assessments, it highlights the significant impact of domestic abuse and sexual violence, with 17,572 related incidents and crimes recorded in the county in the year ending March 2025.
The evidence also shows the disproportionate impact on women and girls, while recognising that people of all ages, genders and backgrounds can be affected. Some groups, including disabled victims, LGBTQ+ communities, racially minoritised groups and older people, can face additional barriers when seeking help and support.
Built around a whole-system approach, the strategy focuses on five key priorities:
- Early intervention and prevention
- Support and protection for all victims and survivors
- Building trust and confidence in services
- Coordinated community response and partnership working
- Holding perpetrators to account
Marking a shift towards prevention and earlier intervention, the strategy recognises that long-term change requires action before harm occurs and places strong emphasis on challenging harmful attitudes, supporting healthy relationships, improving the early identification of abuse and building resilient communities.
Domestic abuse and sexual violence can have devastating and lifelong impacts on individuals, families and communities, and the publication of this strategy is an important step forward in our ambition to make Northamptonshire a safer place for everyone.Cllr Charlie Hastie, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at WNC
Through this strategy, we are strengthening our commitment to prevention and ensuring victims and survivors can access the support they need, working with partners across the county to challenge perpetrators and drive lasting change.
Most importantly, this strategy has been shaped by the experiences of those affected by abuse. Their voices will continue to guide our work as we move into delivery and publish our action plan in the coming weeks.
An accompanying action plan, setting out the practical steps partners will take to deliver the strategy's ambitions, will be published this summer. The action plan will include clear steps, governance arrangements and measures to monitor progress, ensuring the voices and experiences of victims and survivors continue to shape services and support.
Domestic abuse and sexual violence can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender or background, and the impact on victims, families and communities can be profound and long lasting.Cllr Greg Wilcox, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Communities
This strategy sets out a clear and shared commitment across Northamptonshire to prevent abuse, improve support for victims and survivors, and ensure perpetrators are held to account.
By working closely with our partners and listening to the experiences of people who have been affected, we can build safer communities, strengthen confidence in services and help ensure that everyone can access the support they need when they need it most.
Support is available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence. In an emergency, where there is an immediate risk of harm, always call 999.
A range of specialist services are available across Northamptonshire to provide support, advice and practical assistance to those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence:
Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS) – Support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Call: 0300 012 0154
Eve – Specialist support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Call: 07827 239496
Northamptonshire Rape Crisis – Confidential advice, support and advocacy for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Call: 0300 222 5930
Serenity Northamptonshire – Support and guidance for victims and survivors of rape and sexual assault. Call: 01604 601713
Voice – Provides emotional and practical support, as well as information, to male and female victims and witnesses of crime, including those who may be required to attend court. Call: 0300 303 1965
For more information, advice and support services, please visit the domestic abuse support pages on the North Northamptonshire Council or West Northamptonshire Council websites.
Guidance and support are also available for friends, family members and professionals who are supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse or sexual violence.
The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2030 is available to read on the West Northamptonshire Council and North Northamptonshire Council websites.