Domestic abuse and sexual violence

Domestic abuse and sexual violence and abuse affects tens of thousands of people every year in Norfolk. The scale of the problem combined with the impact it has on people, makes tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence a priority for everyone in the county. 

To ensure that the response to domestic abuse (DA) and sexual violence and abuse (SVA) is as effective and joined up as possible, the Norfolk Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy sets the direction and coordinates the delivery of the partnership response. It builds on learning from national and local research and policy, and the learning from Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews. We know: 

• That by ensuring that the public are aware of what DA and SVA is and how to report and seek support, they will be better able to identify if it happening to them or a loved one and access the support they need.
• That ensuring our workforce are knowledgeable on DA and SVA supports them to make better decisions and deliver high quality responses to victim-survivors and communities.
• A thorough understanding of the root causes, nature and extent of DA and SVA allows for the development of targeted, effective solutions and evidence-based decision making.
• We must tackle underlying societal causes of DA and SVA, including values and norms, at a population level. We can also target those at risk of being involved in DA and SVA, providing bespoke interventions based on need.
• Finally, we must support victims and respond to perpetrators. 
  children can be victims of DA and SVA in their own home, in their own intimate relationships and they can demonstrate harmful behaviours to one another and their family. Sadly, they experience DA and SVA at very high rates and can lead to other negative socio-economic consequences.

That is why we have established the following commitments:

• Improving our communities understanding of domestic abuse and sexual violence and abuse, their knowledge of how to respond and where to get help.
• Increasing the skills and knowledge of workforce regarding domestic abuse and sexual violence and abuse. 
• Assessing and improving the strategic partnership understanding of domestic abuse and sexual violence and abuse, utilising victim-survivor voice to inform our services.
• Delivering preventative and supportive interventions for domestic abuse and sexual violence and abuse, utilising principles from the public health approach.
• Ensuring children and young people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence are kept safe, understood, have their voice heard, and are supported to recover.