Kent Welcomes Landmark Domestic Abuse Act
Kent County Council (KCC) has thrown its weight behind the government’s new Domestic Abuse Act, hailed as a game-changer for victims and their children. The Act places a legal duty on councils across England to provide safe accommodation and vital support services like counselling and therapy for adults and kids fleeing abuse.
KCC’s Longstanding Fight Against Abuse
Since 2017, KCC has teamed up with partners to run the Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (KIDAS), offering help both in the community and in safe housing. The council works closely with District Councils, Medway Council, Kent Police, NHS, probation services, and others to support the Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Strategy.
Domestic Abuse: A Hidden Crisis in Kent
- Over 2 million people suffer domestic abuse each year in England and Wales.
- In Kent and Medway alone, 75,000 to 80,000 adults are affected annually.
- Domestic abuse accounts for 15% of all crimes in the region.
- The Act broadens the definition to include controlling behaviour, emotional and financial abuse.
- For the first time, children are recognised as victims, not just witnesses.
The Covid-19 pandemic has made things worse, with Kent Police reporting a 13% spike in domestic abuse crimes between March and November 2020 compared to the previous year. Referrals to support services have surged too.
‘Know, See, Speak Out’ Campaign Launches in Kent
KCC’s bold ‘Know, See, Speak Out’ campaign urges everyone in Kent to stay alert, check in with loved ones, and know where to turn for help—even as lockdown eases.
“Domestic abuse continues to be a challenge within our communities, often going unnoticed and unreported,” said Clair Bell, KCC Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Public Health.
“The Act is historic. It expands legal definitions and recognises children as victims. It brings stronger measures to hold perpetrators to account. With this vital new law, we will step up our fight to stamp out this dreadful crime in Kent.”
Help and Emergency Contacts
- For specialist domestic abuse support via KIDAS, call Victim Support: 0808 168 9111
- Visit domesticabuseservices.org.uk for info, resources, and training webinars.
- In an emergency, call 999. If you can’t speak, press 55 after calling to alert police silently.
Staggering Domestic Abuse Stats
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will suffer domestic abuse in their lifetime.
- Two women are killed every week by current or ex-partners.
- Domestic abuse accounts for 38% of violent crime in Kent and Medway.
- UK police receive a domestic abuse call every minute.
- £1.9 billion is lost annually in economic output due to domestic abuse.
- More than 14% of kids have lived with domestic violence.
Domestic abuse is a silent epidemic that cuts across all backgrounds. Thanks to this groundbreaking legislation and relentless work by KCC and partners, victims in Kent now have stronger protection and hope for a safer future.
