This page contains everything you need to know about the current Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment project in Oxfordshire. It includes information about how you can get involved, and will include updates on what we are learning as we go. This means if you have contributed in any way, you can come back to this page to understand how it has fed in to the learning and recommendations.

What is the Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment?

A Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment (DANA) is a comprehensive analysis aimed at evaluating the full spectrum of services and support required for people experiencing domestic abuse, including victims, survivors, and perpetrators.

The Domestic Abuse Act (2021) placed a statutory duty on all local authorities to assess and provide safe accommodation for victims and survivors, including the requirement to conduct a domestic abuse safe accommodation needs assessment. The Oxfordshire DANA will include these statutory requirements but go beyond them by taking a whole-system approach. This means it will consider all aspects of the support pathway, prevention, intervention, and recovery services for those affected by domestic abuse.

Oxfordshire County Council has commissioned the Centre for Safer Society to conduct the DANA. Our work will help the Council fulfil its obligations under the Domestic Abuse Act while also informing broader strategic decisions. The findings will be pivotal in shaping the refreshed Domestic Abuse Strategy, ensuring that every aspect of support meets the needs of victims and survivors effectively and holistically. We are asking all stakeholders across Oxfordshire to support this project so that we can identify meaningful learning and ensure the assessment reflects the needs of all communities.