From the Chamber: Partnership working to support domestic abuse survivors
Over 260 people took part, including front line practitioners across health, social care, education, policing, housing and the voluntary sector.
Awareness is growing of the complex and often hidden links between experiences of
domestic abuse and the risk of suicide or self-harm. This toolkit has been developed to equip
practitioners with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools needed to help support
people who may be at risk. Crucially, it recognises that suicide is never an inevitable
outcome of domestic abuse.
Across Wokingham Borough, we work closely with organisations across different sectors to
share best practice and strengthen our response to domestic abuse. Our priorities are to:
- Raise awareness and promote early prevention
- Support victim-survivors and children
- Hold perpetrators to account
- Provide support in safe accommodation
The recent launch event is one example of how we are ensuring that everyone supporting
victim-survivors has access to up-to-date guidance and resources, helping services deliver a
trauma-informed approach.
We have also provided training for councillors so they understand the scale of the issue
locally and can recognise and respond appropriately to disclosures or concerns raised by
residents.
Through our White Ribbon action plan, we have established a network of ambassadors and
champions who are helping ensure that staff and councillors understand the impact of
violence against women and girls. Creating an environment where women feel safe, and
where clear reporting mechanisms are in place, has been a key priority.
In December 2025, the Government published its long-awaited strategy to halve violence
against women and girls over the next decade. Prevention is central to the strategy and has
been welcomed by organisations working in this field, particularly for its focus on challenging
the attitudes and behaviours that underpin violence against women and girls. Delivering on
these ambitions will require sustained collaboration between public services, including
policing, education and housing, alongside strong partnerships with community
organisations.
Local government has an important role to play in bringing together the organisations that
work every day to keep our communities safe. In Wokingham Borough, the Liberal Democrat
administration has worked to strengthen partnerships across multiple sectors and build a
more joined-up approach to community safety. Through our Domestic Abuse Partnership
Network, we will continue working with partners to deliver meaningful and lasting change for
victims and survivors in our community.
For anyone affected by these issues, help is available. Information about local support
services can be found on the Wokingham Borough Council Directory website (opens in new window).