New Sussex-wide domestic abuse accommodation and support strategy
A new strategy setting out how we help and protect survivors of domestic abuse in safe accommodation is now in place.
The Pan Sussex Strategy for Domestic Abuse Accommodation & Support 2021- 2024 was approved for Brighton & Hove at last night’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture committee, following consultation on the draft in the autumn.
In line with our new duties under the national Domestic Abuse Act 2021, we’re working with other local authorities across Sussex to improve the support available to survivors of domestic abuse and their children in refuges and other safe accommodation.
The strategy includes a commitment to a range of new schemes aiming to enhance and increase the support in safe accommodation for all survivors of domestic violence and abuse in the city.
It also outlines new interventions, such as a Housing Independent Domestic Violence Advisor, increased availability of interpreters and British Sign Language to ensure survivors have access to the support they need.
• Read the domestic abuse accommodation and support strategy for Sussex
More support for survivors of domestic abuse
Councillor Steph Powell, co-chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture committee said:
“We welcome the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and its aim to end the post code lottery for support for everyone affected by domestic violence and abuse.
"This strategy is a vital step in how we meet our new duties under the act in providing more safe accommodation and support options and ensure services are accessible to all survivors of domestic abuse.
“We’re committed to working with our partners and communities to ensure survivors can access the support they need and justice.
“The new Pan Sussex Domestic Abuse Board will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders who will play a critical role in delivering the vision of the strategy.
“We need to ensure that survivors can access high quality support and that Brighton & Hove is a safe place for everyone.
“That vital support will include work to allow survivors to remain in their own homes where it’s safe to do so or access safe accommodation.”
Getting help
If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic or sexual abuse or violence, visit our help with domestic abuse page for advice on getting support.
You can also call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on freephone 0808 2000 247.
If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.
If you need to, you can use the ‘silent solution’ - an automated service meaning that if you ring 999 and the operator hears no response, you will be directed to press ‘55’ if you need help.
The conversation will then continue in a way that allows the caller to communicate by using yes/no to answer questions.
Safety of women and girls in Brighton & Hove
We’re carrying out a survey investigating how safe all women and girls feel in Brighton & Hove.
Your responses will inform the development of a new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy for the city, looking at how all services work together to make Brighton & Hove safe for everyone.
• Take part in our Violence Against Women and Girls online survey
The survey is open until Sunday 20 February.
