Overview
Sandwell Council is publishing a draft Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28, following a needs assessment completed in 2024, where all stakeholders, including Sandwell residents were offered opportunity to consult and contribute views.
As a local authority, we are required by law* to publish a draft 10 weeks before finalising our Domestic Abuse Strategy, which we will be in Autumn 2025. This strategy sets out our priorities over the next 3 years, outlining how we will work with partners to tackle domestic abuse.
View Sandwell draft Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28.
You are invited to share your views on this draft strategy. Please email comments to Domesticabuse_admin@sandwell.gov.uk by 22 August 2025.
Definition of “domestic abuse”
The behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) is “domestic abuse” if A and B are each aged 16 or over, are personally connected to each other, and the behaviour is abusive.
Children under 16 are also victims of domestic abuse when they see or hear, or experience the effects of the abuse, and are related to A or B.
Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following:
- physical or sexual abuse
- violent or threatening behaviour
- controlling or coercive behaviour
- economic abuse
- psychological, emotional or other abuse
Help and support
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, at any time. It can take be difficult to speak with someone and we find that often victims will feel guilty, ashamed, frightened or blame themselves for what is happening, although we know it is not their fault. We have support in place for when it is needed.
If you or someone you know would like to speak with someone, please do reach out to our support services below, who will sensitively work with you to explore what you need.
In an emergency, please call 999.
You seek help and support from Black Country Women’s Aid on 0121 552 6448, which is available 24 hours a day or text/WhatsApp on 07384 466 181 (9am-9pm Monday-Friday). You can speak to an advisor on webchat. Black Country Women’s Aid supports female and male victims of domestic abuse.
Alternatively, there is a service for men and boys who have experienced domestic abuse, rape and sexual abuse. Contact Ask Marc by phone (0121 289 6402), email (info@askmarc.co.uk) or visit askmarc.org.uk for more information.
Birmingham LGBT provide support in Sandwell
Helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am – 9pm and Saturdays 11:30am to 7pm on 0121 643 0821 or go to their website for more information https://blgbt.org/
*(The Domestic Abuse Support (Local Authority Strategies and Annual Reports) Regulations 2021, Part 2)