FOREST of Dean residents are being urged to share their views on a new strategy aimed at tackling domestic abuse across the county.

Gloucestershire’s Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board has drawn up a three-year plan setting out its vision and priorities for supporting victims and holding perpetrators to account.

The board is made up of organisations working together to improve outcomes for those affected by domestic abuse.

The draft strategy for 2025 to 2028 has been informed by the experiences of victims, survivors and the wider community.

A public consultation is now under way, giving people in the Forest and beyond the opportunity to influence the final plan.

Domestic abuse includes a wide range of harmful behaviours, such as physical and sexual violence, emotional and psychological abuse, coercive control and economic abuse.

Across England and Wales, around one in four women and one in six men are affected by domestic abuse during their lifetime – a total of over two million adults.

In Gloucestershire, 38 per cent of violent offences reported to police are linked to domestic abuse, and nearly four in five victims are female.

Siobhan Farmer, director of public health at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Domestic abuse has a damaging impact on the lives of many adults and children in our county. No-one should suffer in silence. Whether the abuse is physical or emotional, please reach out if any of the signs resonate with you; you are not alone.

The consultation opened on Tuesday, May 6 and will close at 5pm on Monday, June 16.

Anyone in immediate danger should call 999. If it is not safe to speak, callers are advised to stay on the line and follow the operator’s instructions to make a silent call.

Support is available for anyone affected by domestic abuse, both locally and nationally.