THE upcoming BCP Council cabinet meeting will discuss tackling domestic abuse in the council area following the release of a strategy outlining the key areas for action over the next three years.

The meeting on December 16 will include discussing partnership priorities that will help prevent domestic abuse, alongside the Preventing Domestic Abuse strategy.

This strategy aims to ensure that those in need are at the very centre of its work and partners are able to respond swiftly to local need, working towards an overall aim that "no resident living within or visiting Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole should live in fear of, or experience domestic abuse."

Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Councillor May Haines said: "We are committed to working collaboratively with partner organisations to reduce the harm caused by domestic abuse across the BCP Council area and sending a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

"The Preventing Domestic Abuse strategy will set out actions over the next three years to take robust action against abusers, change attitudes and behaviours and support victims on pathways to ensure they can lead safe, healthy and happy lives."

The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Community Safety Partnership, with help from the strategy, aims to prevent violence and abuse by developing joined up support across services and providing services which victims will be able to access quickly, fairly and easily.

The partnership is also committed to reducing harm caused by domestic abuse and responding to perpetrators by supporting criminal justice agencies.

Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, Sam De Reya said: "The strategy will support us to learn from experience, consider evidence and look at the national best practice to deliver improved service and prevent domestic abuse in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

"We are confident the strategy and renewed leadership focus will make a difference to victims, increase reporting and protect communities."