Councillors discuss plans to tackle violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and sexual violence

Councillors will discuss a strategy to help prevent and tackle violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and sexual violence in Brighton & Hove at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday 23 January. 

Violence against women and girls is an umbrella term describing a range of abusive and violent behaviours and acts predominantly experienced by women and girls, including domestic abuse, sexual violence and rape, sexual harassment, stalking and more. 

At the Cabinet meeting, councillors will decide whether to approve the ‘Preventing and Tackling Violence against Women and Girls, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2025-2028', a 3-year action plan, and the creation of a new board to oversee relevant services and support in the city.

Key priorities

The draft ‘Preventing and Tackling Violence against Women and Girls, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2025-2028' is built around 4 key priorities:

  • Strengthening the co-ordinated response
  • Prioritising prevention
  • Supporting survivors
  • Building an accountable community and changing perpetrators

The strategy has been informed by a series of consultations and engagement events with the public, key stakeholders and community members, including victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. 

Action plan

A 3-year action plan has been established, highlighting intended outcomes to help guide the implementation of the strategy, with a series of actions for each of the 4 strategic priorities outlined above. 

This will allow partners and stakeholders to clearly understand the required impact of each action and will support a coordinated and collaborative approach.

A key proposal is to set up a new Violence against Women and Girls, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Oversight Board to guide the delivery of actions and ensure effective implementation, accountability and alignment with strategic objectives.

A safer Brighton & Hove

Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet member for Children, Families, Youth Services and for Ending Violence against Women and Girls, said: “Brighton & Hove is a city that values inclusion, equality and safety. We cannot – and  and will not – tolerate violence in any form. 

“While the proposed strategy and actions will not have all the answers to this endemic issue, by working together, we can create a better future where violence against women and girls, domestic abuse and sexual violence is prevented, survivors are supported, and perpetrators are held accountable.

“I’d like to thank the stakeholders and residents whose feedback and expertise has informed the strategy and action plan. Together, we can build a safer, more supportive Brighton & Hove, where everyone can live free from violence and fear.”

Local context

Domestic abuse makes up 11% of all recorded crime in Brighton & Hove for 2023/2024.

Police reports show that there were there 1,209 sexual offences in this period, of which 1,009 were classified as serious sexual offences. In addition, there were 460 stalking incidents reported to the Police in Brighton & Hove in 2023/2024. 

However, we know that these offences are often under-reported.

Get support

If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic or sexual abuse or violence, visit our help with domestic abuse page for advice on where to get support.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.

If you need to, you can use the ‘silent solution’ – an automated service that means if you ring 999 and the operator hears no response, you will be directed to press 55 if you need help.

The conversation will then continue in a way that allows the caller to communicate by saying only yes or no in response to questions.