July 2026 Newsletter
July 2026 Newsletter
We have welcomed more DA Champions in June, we are continually growing the network. We are hoping that with the introduction of networking sessions you will all have an opportunity to get to know more about each other. Our aim is to provide a space and the opportunity to develop your DA Champion role.
We have had an amazing response so far to our DA Champions Annual Survey. Please can we ask anyone who has yet to complete it, please follow the link to complete the survey by 10th July 2026.
We are delighted to offer a new Online Learning Event on 8th July 9.30am – 1pm which will focus on Domestic Abuse and Older People ‘Respect in Every Chapter of Life’
The following professionals will be presenting at this event.
- Ann Donkin – CEO – Age UK
- Jo Jackin –Older People’s Specialist IDVA – NIDAS
- Simon Kerss – Author of the DORIS DARDR – Simon Kerss Consultancy
- PEGS (Parental Education Growth Support
Please do remember to look on the DA Champion portal for refresher trainings available this year. We will notify you of our Learning Events. The dates will be 6th October 2026 and 10th December 2026 9.30am – 1pm if you want to block these out in your diary; we will confirm the topics nearer the time,
Local News
Pride in Norwich
Norwich Pride 25 July
Norwich Pride 2026 will be on 25 July. A Passing Pride art exhibition – celebrating ‘Queer art as protest and as pride’ – will be at The Assembly House, Norwich, NR2 (supported by Norwich University of the Arts) 21 – 25 July. On Pride Day itself, the Pride march (gathering around 12.30pm) will leave City Hall at 1.00pm, ending at Chapelfield Gardens. Information about local community groups on the Norwich Pride website here. Further information on the Norwich Pride website here.
Safeguarding updates- CADS
From 8 June 2026, Norfolk County Council are changing the routes available to get support through an amended Request for Support portal, which will help ensure the right response is provided, whether through Family Hubs, wider community early help services, or Family Help.
Calls to CADS will not be progressed to a discussion, with the exception of safeguarding and child protection cases, unless a Request for Support has been submitted via our new professional portal.
All requests for support made will be followed by a conversation with an advisor, whether from Early Help or Family Help. Once a request is received, contacts will be triaged alongside supporting documents, and professionals will then have a discussion with an Early Help Advisor or Consultant Social Worker.
In the first instance, professionals will be signposted to appropriate early help, community-based services and support available through Best Start Family Hubs 🔗 Contact a Best Start Family Hub – Norfolk County Council, unless Family Help is required. The route to CADS by phone for safeguarding and child protection remains in place.
The Portal will continue to be accessible via Norfolk County Council’s website 🔗 Request for support – Norfolk County Council. Further guidance about the Portal will follow.
OPCCN survey – Have your say
We want to hear from you.
The survey gives you a chance to shape decisions that affect your community and improve access to services.
Your feedback matters.
- The survey takes around five minutes to complete
- Your responses are confidential/anonymised
- The survey is open for one month from 22nd June and closes 24th July
- We will share what we heard and what happens next
Have your say – complete the survey here.
National News
Government review of the Domestic Abuse Act highlights ongoing gaps
A recent government review marking five years since the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 found important progress, including stronger recognition of coercive and controlling behaviour and children as victims in their own right. However, it also highlighted ongoing challenges, particularly around consistent implementation and ensuring victims receive effective protection across services. 🔗 Read more here.
Justice for victims as domestic killers to face longer behind bars – People who kill their partner, or ex, to face a 25-year sentencing start point under a change announced on 29th June 2026 by the Deputy Prime Minister Read Press release
The Football World Cup
The Respect Phoneline has launched the 🔗 ‘Cros
sed the Line’ campaign to coincide with the 2026 World Cup, raising awareness of the helpline and urging anyone who is concerned about their behaviour to get in touch. 🔗 To see the video
🔗 Right to Equality’s Breaking Bias, Building Justice campaign have launched a report, documenting victim-blaming in the family courts, later today in parliament.
- 72.5% (66) of all judgments contained at least one instance of judicial victim‐blaming. Source: “Scratching the Surface” Report 2026 🔗 See report
- The most prevalent form of victim-blaming was discrediting (233 instances), followed by behavioural blame (173) and trivialisation (99)
- The majority of victim-blaming identified was subtle (62.5%), meaning it is easily embedded within judicial reasoning and difficult to challenge
Social Housing
Stronger powers for landlords to enable them to take possession of a property where domestic abuse has taken place without the requirement for the victim to leave. 🔗 See report
Family Courts
Children to get swifter justice as new family court approach expands nationally
The newly named Child Focused Courts will be rolled out across England and Wales, following a particularly successful pilot which saw cases in the family court resolved seven and a half months quicker 🔗 See Govt. press release
Social Media – Under 16’s 🔗 see Govt. press release
🔗 Woman’s Aid ‘… welcome the intent behind today’s announcement that under-16s will be banned from social media from next spring and look forward to hearing more about how it will work’
Southall Black Sisters
Tracking the VAWG Strategy: Six Months On (June 2026) – Six months after the publication of the Government’s Freedom from Violence and Abuse: A Cross-Government Strategy to Build a Safer Society for Women and Girls, the gap between political ambition and lived reality remains stark for many Black, minoritised and migrant women. 🔗 See report
Research and Resources
Neurodivergence and SMD
This new guide looks at links between the two, why it matters, and practical ways to improve engagement and outcomes 🔗 Read the guide
NSPCC Podcast: How to build emotional resilience in children
This latest episode explores an emotional resilience programme delivered across primary schools in Glasgow. Hear about the successes, challenges and best practices for setting up a similar programme. 🔗 Listen now
Crisis and Resilience Service
Norfolk County Council’s Crisis and Resilience Service is able to provide crisis support (vouchers) for food and help with essential items and costs. Information about the service on Norfolk County Council’s website 🔗 here. A national insurance number and copies of bank statements will be required.
Women’s Aid survivor’s forum
This anonymous online space is for women to share experiences and offer peer-led support. 🔗 Find out more
New safety app launched for women impacted by DA – 🔗 Third
