Devon County Council has approved a new four-year strategy aimed at improving support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse living in safe accommodation. The Domestic Abuse Support in Safe Accommodation Strategic Plan 2026–2030 outlines how the council will fulfil its statutory duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 while responding to growing demand and increasingly complex needs across the county.
The plan builds on lessons learned from the current strategy, focusing on providing victims and their children with high-quality, trauma-informed support in safe and appropriate accommodation to help them rebuild their lives. Key priorities include the phased expansion of supported safe accommodation, such as refuge, dispersed, and specialist units, alongside an enhanced “Staying Safe at Home” sanctuary offer for those choosing to remain in their own homes.
The strategy also emphasizes improved therapeutic support for both adults and children, better access for people facing additional barriers—including those with no recourse to public funds—and closer partnership working with district councils and housing providers.
The safe accommodation plan is part of Devon’s wider Interpersonal and Gender-Based Violence and Abuse Strategy, Safe Lives, Strong Communities 2026–29, which coordinates public services, voluntary organisations, and community partners to deliver a whole-system response to abuse across the county.
Implementation of the plan will be supported by the Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance service, operational since April 2025, and will be funded through existing Domestic Abuse Act resources and aligned council budgets.
