Barnet Council has given the green light to a new strategy aimed at tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG) across the borough.

The Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy 2025-2029, approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday, sets out a comprehensive plan to prevent and respond to these issues, aligning with national and London-wide priorities. The strategy is informed by survivor voices, local data, and a strategic needs assessment, ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of survivors and the changing landscape of domestic abuse and VAWG. Progress of the strategy will be reported quarterly to the Safer Communities Partnership Board.

Councillor Sara Conway, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Community Cohesion and Ending Violence Against Women & Girls, authored the report. The strategy outlines four partnership objectives:

  • Prevention and early intervention
  • Support for victims and survivors
  • Accountability for perpetrators
  • Safer environments

According to the council report, progress on the strategy will be reported quarterly to the Safer Communities Partnership Board.

The strategy aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for all residents, particularly women, girls, and children. The strategy also recognises children as victims of domestic abuse in their own right and commits to trauma-informed support from pre-birth through adolescence.

The strategy also recognises the importance of addressing harmful attitudes and behaviours, with the council planning to work with key partners to tackle the root causes of violence against women and girls.

Key to the strategy is the council's commitment to working in partnership with various organisations. The report states:

We have a strong collaborative partnership network in Barnet, including working closely with the Children Safeguarding Partnership Board and the Adult Safeguarding Board. We will continue to strengthen our joint effective working with all appropriate organisations.

The strategy also aims to improve access to services for racially minoritised communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities.