14.1 As a council, we are committed to delivering services that narrow the gap in outcomes between disadvantaged groups and the wider community, and to ensuring that protected groups are included and have their voices heard and reduce barriers in accessing services and support.
14.2 The council has reviewed this policy in light of the 2026 Supreme Court ruling and the Equality and Human Rights updated Code of Practice to ensure that support is provided to everyone affected by domestic abuse including trans gender and non-binary residents. The provision of safe accommodation for trans survivors is also being reviewed together with members of the Norfolk Domestic Abuse Partnership Board.
14.3 Additional support will be provided as required to ensure that transgender and non-binary residents are able to access the services they need.
14.4 The council will continue to work within the partnership via the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Group and with the Diverse Communities IDVA to reach into communities where there are likely to be ‘hidden victims’ who have their own unique barriers to access Domestic Abuse Support. We are also obliged to comply with the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty.
14.5 We believe that all people are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect and we are determined to ensure that everyone entitled to use our services receives fair and equitable treatment. One way that we can achieve this is by ensuring that those who do not use English as a first language (including users of British Sign Language) still have equal access to our services through the provision of Interpretation and Translation services.
14.6 We are committed to working with our partners and communities to promote good relations and to combat prejudice, discrimination and harassment.
14.7 An equality impact assessment has been carried out for this policy.
