Bedford Borough Council is calling on local residents, professionals, and those with lived experience to contribute to the development of a new Domestic Abuse Strategy. Domestic abuse is a serious issue that affects individuals and families across all backgrounds, causing long-lasting harm to victims and communities.
Domestic abuse encompasses a range of behaviours aimed at exerting power and control, including emotional, psychological, financial, physical, and sexual abuse. It often involves stalking and harassment, including online, and may include honour-based violence, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation. It is most frequently perpetrated by partners, ex-partners, family members, or carers. The impact on safety and wellbeing is devastating.
Recognising domestic abuse as a community issue, Bedford Borough Council wants to hear from everyone who cares about making the borough a safer place. Input will inform the council’s five-year Domestic Abuse Strategy, ensuring it reflects the real needs of individuals affected and the wider community.
A public consultation will be available online from Friday, 28 November to midnight Sunday, 14 December 2025 at www.bedford.gov.uk/Consultations and paper copies will be available at Bedford Borough Hub on Horne Lane. The consultation will present five strategic priorities identified for the upcoming strategy and invite residents to share their views through a set of short questions.
There was also the opportunity to complete the consultation in person at the Harpur Centre on Friday, 28 November, for those who joined the #TooManyNames event.
Councillor Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children’s Services, said, “Domestic abuse affects too many people in Bedford Borough, and it’s vital that we listen carefully to the experiences and insights of all members of our community as we shape this new strategy.
“Everyone’s voice matters, whether you’ve experienced abuse yourself, work with affected individuals, or just want to help make Bedford Borough safer. Together, we can build stronger support and prevention measures that truly make a difference.”
Feedback from the consultation will be published online by the end of January 2026. The council aims to finalise and publish the Domestic Abuse Strategy by the end of March 2026.
For more information and to participate in the online consultation, visit www.bedford.gov.uk/DASConsultation