If you need this information by email for use with the read-aloud function or in an alternative format, please contact us on 0344 980 3333 or visit our interpretation and translation page.
1. Introduction
1.1 Norwich City Council is committed to supporting residents who are experiencing domestic abuse. We will respond sensitively and treat people without judgement.
1.2 This policy explains the service we aim to provide. Our priorities are to increase safety and protect housing security.
1.3 The policy has been developed with input from people affected by domestic abuse and we are very grateful for their insight and input.
1.4 Note on language: This policy uses different terms, including victim, survivor, victim-survivor and people experiencing domestic abuse. This is to recognise that people may be at different stages of their journey and reflects how they may view themselves.
1.5 We know it can be difficult to ask for help and are mindful we may be the first point of contact for disclosure. We will provide safe and private ways for people to disclose abuse wherever possible, including in person, by telephone, online or through arranged appointments.
1.6 We will treat all disclosures sensitively and confidentially. If we need to share information for safeguarding reasons, we will explain this clearly. We will support people whether or not they have reported domestic abuse to the police or another agency.
1.7 At all points of contact our intention is to empower people affected by domestic abuse to remain in control of their situation.
1.8 In this policy, domestic abuse means the legal definition in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. This includes violence, threats, controlling or coercive behaviour, emotional abuse, psychological abuse and economic abuse.
1.9 The council works within Norfolk County Council’s Adult Safeguarding policy guidelines and procedures. More information can be read on the Norfolk County Council website.
1.10 This Domestic Abuse Policy should be read in conjunction with our Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk of Harm Policy which provides an overarching approach to the council’s response to all safeguarding matters. In addition, the housing department’s Anti-Social Behaviour Policy and the Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board Multi-Agency Safeguarding Policy are related policies. How we respond to domestic abuse is set out within these documents.
1.11 The council also has a policy for staff members who may be experiencing domestic abuse, which can be found by staff on our intranet.
You can also download the policy as a PDF (282.03 KB).
Published September 2026.
