Domestic abuse
Barnet is seeing a surge in domestic abuse referrals, while several councils are implementing new strategies and policies to enhance support for victims.
Barnet's Domestic Abuse Support Hub (BDASH) saw a 24% increase in referrals over the past year, with self-referrals up 68%, as noted at a Safer Communities Partnership Board meeting in September 2026. This rise indicates increased confidence in services but also strains existing resources. In September 2026, Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved a new Domestic Abuse Policy for its Housing Directorate, designed to offer enhanced support to residents, including those in temporary accommodation.
Enfield Council adopted a new 10-year Serious Violence Strategy in September 2026, which aims to prevent violence by addressing its root causes. This follows the approval of a ten-year Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy in March 2026. In July 2026, Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved over £1 million in funding for the Safe and Together London Partnership, which aims to improve outcomes for children and families affected by domestic abuse.
Harrow Council's Cabinet approved plans in July 2026 to recommission domestic abuse services, with a new contract for support and safe accommodation starting in April 2027. Also in July 2026, Barnet Council formally backed government plans to provide social housing landlords with new powers to evict domestic abuse perpetrators, allowing victims to remain in their homes.
Key facts
- Referrals to Barnet's Domestic Abuse Support Hub (BDASH) increased by 24% over the past year. Source
- Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved a new Domestic Abuse Policy for its Housing Directorate in September 2026. Source
- Enfield Council's Cabinet adopted a 10-year Serious Violence Strategy 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 1, 2027. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.