Our aim is to deliver a comprehensive, evidence-based Domestic Abuse Strategy that reflects the views and needs of stakeholders, partners, and communities. This strategy will align with national and regional guidance, strengthen multi-agency collaboration, and set a clear framework for preventing and responding to domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse is a significant factor in the lives of many people across the country. It impacts individuals, families, and communities across Bedford Borough.
Why we are consulting
In line with statutory duties under the Domestic Abuse Act and national strategies, Bedford Borough Council is committed to developing a robust local domestic abuse strategy. This builds on previous work undertaken by the Domestic Abuse Strategy and Interventions team and will replace the previous domestic abuse strategy. It aims to ensure that consultation, feedback and data analysis, inform the final strategic priorities and actions.
The consultation will begin with engagement across the public and external partners. It will focus specifically on the five proposed priorities for the Domestic Abuse Strategy, inviting participants to share whether they agree or disagree with each one. Where there is disagreement, respondents will be encouraged to provide comments explaining their views.
Participants will also have the opportunity to rank the five priorities in order of importance, helping to identify which areas are considered most significant by the community and partners.
Read more detail about the five priorities in our Domestic Abuse Strategic Priorities 2026-2031 (PDF).
This consultation opens on 28 November and will close at midnight on 14 December.
The results of this will be collated and the strategy priorities updated accordingly.
How to have your say
Complete the consultation online below:
Respond to the Domestic Abuse Strategy consultation
There will also be the following opportunities:
- Public consultation 28 November at the Harpur Centre, Bedford from 11-3pm.
- Professional networking day 5 December, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5TQ
- Paper copies will be available at the Bedford Borough Hub, 2 Horne Lane, Bedford MK40 1RA.
What happens next
The consultation responses will be considered by the Domestic Abuse Strategy and Interventions team.
These will be considered in line with the strategy. Once all the consultations have been finalised and actions collated, they will be published no later than the end of January 2026. With the aim of finalising and publishing the full Domestic Abuse Strategy by the end of March 2026.