The Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales is the independent advocate for all victims and survivors of abuse.
What is the Domestic Abuse Commissioner‘s role?
Established in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, the office of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner is responsible for providing public leadership on domestic abuse issues.
Acting as an independent advisor to the UK Government, the Commissioner:
- oversees and monitors what domestic abuse services are available for survivors across England and Wales.
- highlights good practice in preventing and tackling domestic abuse.
- works to improve and protect the provision of support for victims and survivors by holding government and agencies to account.
- champions the voices of victims and survivors to improve the overall response and support they receive.
Who is the Domestic Abuse Commissioner?
Dame Nicole Jacobs
Appointed as the first Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales in 2019, Dame Nicole Jacobs has dedicated her career to supporting victims and survivors, with nearly 30 years’ experience in domestic abuse services, policy and intervention.
“I am delighted to be the Domestic Abuse Commissioner. I will use my unique statutory powers to champion victims and survivors of all ages, status, and backgrounds, and will shine a light on good practice and practices that fall short to end the postcode lottery of domestic abuse services in England and Wales.”
What does the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s office do
Last year, an estimated 2.3 million adults experienced domestic abuse alone. One in five children live with an adult perpetrating domestic abuse, while the police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds. These figures are unacceptable and must change.
Spanning across policy, communications and survivor engagement, research and practice and partnerships, my office works to support me as the independent voice for people who have experienced domestic abuse.
Campaign
My campaigning work is directly shaped by what victims and survivors of abuse tell me. By understanding the challenges they experience and looking at the response available for people subject to abuse, I work to drive change right at the heart of government, so all survivors get the help and support they need.
Research
Our research team help us to understand the scale, nature and experiences of people subject to domestic abuse.
Practice and partnerships
Our partnerships team ensure the work of my office is informed by regional best practice, helping to improve the disconnect between the local and national response to domestic abuse.
My strategic plan 2022-25
This three-year plan is driven by what survivors have told me they care about most. I know that by working together we can and will improve the response to domestic abuse.
Annual reports
Read the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s Annual Report 2022-23 below or online here.