Domestic Abuse Commissioner Sets Out New Three-Year Strategy
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales has published her Three-Year Strategy for 2026-2029, setting out the priorities that will shape the national response to domestic abuse over the coming years.
The strategy, published pursuant to section 13 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, identifies the key barriers facing victims and survivors and outlines where the Commissioner intends to focus her work between now and 2029.
You can read the full strategy on the Government website.
A Continued Focus on Improving Outcomes for Victims
Domestic Abuse Commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs acknowledges that domestic abuse has remained a political priority despite changes in government. However, she also recognises that significant challenges remain for victims seeking protection, support and justice.
The strategy highlights three recurring problems identified through engagement with survivors, frontline services and statutory agencies:
Victims often do not receive the right help when they first seek support
Specialist domestic abuse services continue to face chronic underfunding
There is insufficient accountability when public bodies fail victims
The Commissioner states that addressing these systemic issues will be central to her work over the next three years.
Four Priority Areas for Reform
The strategy identifies four key sectors where improvements are considered most urgently needed.
Specialist Domestic Abuse Services
The Commissioner emphasises that everyone affected by domestic abuse should be able to access specialist support regardless of where they live or their personal circumstances.
The strategy calls for more sustainable commissioning arrangements and improved funding for specialist services, recognising the growing demand placed upon Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs), refuge providers and specialist domestic abuse organisations.
For family practitioners, these services frequently play a significant role in supporting clients throughout proceedings, assisting with safety planning, evidencing abuse and helping survivors engage effectively with the family justice process.
Health
Another key priority is recognising domestic abuse as a public health issue.
The strategy advocates for improved mental health support alongside greater training for healthcare professionals to help identify domestic abuse at an earlier stage and respond appropriately when concerns are raised.
Medical records, GP disclosures and mental health evidence regularly feature within family proceedings. Earlier identification and more consistent responses across healthcare settings may assist victims in accessing support sooner whilst providing more comprehensive evidence where court proceedings follow.
Policing
The Commissioner also intends to improve consistency in policing responses to domestic abuse.
The strategy highlights the importance of ensuring police officers are equipped to understand the complex nature of domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, and that responses are shaped by victims' individual circumstances.
From a family law perspective, police disclosure frequently forms part of safeguarding enquiries, fact-finding hearings and welfare assessments. Continued improvements in frontline policing and information gathering have the potential to strengthen the quality of evidence available to the Family Court.
Probation
Another significant area of focus is the Probation Service.
The Commissioner aims to improve partnership working between probation, specialist domestic abuse organisations and other agencies while ensuring probation practitioners have the information, training and resources necessary to manage perpetrators effectively and reduce the risk of further abuse.
What Does This Mean for Family Law?
Although the strategy is not directed specifically at the family courts, several themes are likely to resonate with those practising in family law.
A continued focus on trauma-informed practice
The strategy repeatedly emphasises the importance of responding appropriately when victims first disclose abuse.
Family practitioners have already seen increasing recognition of trauma-informed practice across the family justice system. The Commissioner's strategy suggests this approach will continue to develop across health services, policing and specialist support organisations, potentially improving the experience of survivors as they engage with legal proceedings.
Greater emphasis on multi-agency working
Many family cases involving domestic abuse require evidence from multiple agencies, including the police, local authorities, healthcare providers and specialist domestic abuse services.
The strategy's focus on improved collaboration and information sharing reflects the increasing importance of coordinated safeguarding responses and joined-up decision making.
Continued recognition of coercive and controlling behaviour
Whilst physical violence often forms part of domestic abuse allegations, the strategy recognises the wider patterns of abusive behaviour experienced by many victims.
This reflects the approach already adopted within the Family Court, where coercive and controlling behaviour is routinely considered alongside other forms of domestic abuse when determining welfare issues and assessing risk.
Accountability remains a key theme
Perhaps the strongest message running throughout the strategy is the need for greater accountability where systems fail victims and survivors.
The Commissioner intends to use her statutory powers to scrutinise public bodies and encourage improvements where responses fall short. For practitioners, this reflects the wider emphasis across the justice system on robust safeguarding, effective record keeping and learning from failures.
Key Takeaways
For family law practitioners, the strategy reinforces several important themes:
Domestic abuse remains a significant national policy priority
Greater emphasis is being placed on early intervention and trauma-informed responses
Specialist domestic abuse services continue to play a crucial role in supporting survivors
Effective multi-agency working remains central to safeguarding
Improving accountability across public services will continue to influence policy and practice over the coming years.
Whilst the strategy does not itself change the law, it provides a clear indication of the direction of travel across the agencies that regularly interact with the Family Court. Practitioners involved in cases concerning domestic abuse should therefore be aware of its priorities and the wider policy context in which family proceedings continue to evolve.
How We Can Help
Members of Unit Chambers regularly advise and appear in cases involving allegations of domestic abuse, including private children proceedings, public law cases and applications for protective injunctions.
If you would like to discuss the instruction of counsel in a family law matter, contact our friendly Clerks.