Hampshire County Council has agreed to spend £38.5 million to support domestic abuse victims in the region over the next seven years.

Around £1.5m over seven years will be spent on behaviour change services for criminals.

The council said domestic abuse has significant and devastating impacts on the health and wellbeing of victims, survivors and their families.

It is a widespread issue that includes violence, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, and psychological or emotional abuse.

According to council data, more than 52,000 people over the age of 16 and 43,000 children and young people were subjected to domestic abuse in Hampshire in 12 months.

Under the Domestic Abuse Act, the county council has offered different support to victims and their children in safe accommodations such as refuges, sanctuary schemes and dispersed accommodation.

In 2023/24, commissioned services for domestic abuse provided support to 298 adults and 381 children and young people in specialized refuge accommodations across 11 locations in Hampshire.

During the same time, community services assisted 954 victims and survivors. This support included 696 individuals who benefited from the sanctuary scheme, allowing them to stay safe in their homes and positively impacting 1,079 children and young people.

Additionally, data revealed that 169 victims and survivors, including 42 pregnant women, received domestic abuse support within Basingstoke, Winchester, and Andover hospitals. Some 177 children and young people were also helped.

Since April 2021, the county council has received annual funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The council serves as the lead commissioner for services aimed at victims and survivors, as well as for individuals exhibiting abusive behaviours.

It is proposed that the council continue to be the lead commissioner for the service for victims and survivors from April 2026.

Starting from that date, the police and crime commissioner will oversee the commissioning of perpetrator services, while the council will continue to provide co-funding support.

Cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Cllr Russell Oppenheimer, approved the expenditure on his decision day (December 3)

He said: “I’m pleased that we are working with the police and crime commissioner, it makes sense. We are likely to get a better deal. We are likely to get better outcomes for residents.”