Domestic Abuse
Councils are updating domestic abuse policies and strategies, with some seeing increased demand for support services and others securing funding for partnerships.
Southwark's Health, Adult Social Care and Community Safety Scrutiny Commission discussed broadening its Adult Safeguarding Scrutiny Review to include adults experiencing domestic abuse in October 2026. In September 2026, Barnet's Safer Communities Partnership Board noted a 24% increase in referrals to its Domestic Abuse Support Hub over the past year, indicating pressure on resources. Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved a new Domestic Abuse Policy for its Housing Directorate in September 2026.
Enfield Council adopted its new four-year strategic plan in September 2026, which includes a focus on a safer borough, and its Cabinet also adopted a 10-year Serious Violence Strategy. In July 2026, Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved over £1 million in funding for the Safe and Together London Partnership. Harrow Council's Cabinet approved plans to recommission domestic abuse services, splitting them into support and safe accommodation lots, also in July 2026.
Earlier in 2026, Barnet Council backed government plans to give social housing landlords powers to evict perpetrators, allowing victims to remain in their homes. Bexley Council approved its Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2030 in April 2026, prioritising domestic abuse. Tower Hamlets Council adopted a new domestic abuse policy for its housing services in March 2026, and Newham Council adopted its Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-2031 in the same month.
Key facts
- Southwark's Health, Adult Social Care and Community Safety Scrutiny Commission discussed broadening its Adult Safeguarding Scrutiny Review to include domestic abuse in October 2026. Source
- Referrals to Barnet's Domestic Abuse Support Hub increased by 24% over the past year, as noted in September 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved a new Domestic Abuse Policy for its Housing Directorate in September 2026. Source
- Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved over £1 million in funding for the Safe and Together London Partnership in July 2026. Source
- Harrow Council's Cabinet approved plans to recommission domestic abuse services, with a new contract starting April 2027, in July 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 22 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.