Warwickshire’s Domestic Abuse Specialist Counselling and Therapy Service

Feedback updated 2 Sep 2025

We asked

This survey was to inform the recommissioning of the domestic abuse counselling and therapy service. (Feedback from children and young people was conducted separately supported by professionals). The aim of the engagement was to understand what domestic abuse victim-survivors would want from the new commissioned service, including how many therapy sessions they would like, what type of therapy session, where they would like these sessions to take place, and other feedback.

You said

The adult survey was live from 6th March to 3rd April 2025. We received 201 responses. 136 of these had experienced domestic abuse. The following key themes emerged from the survey.

The majority of people wanted 121 sessions ·
The majority of people wanted 10 or more sessions
The majority of people wanted face to face sessions
People wanted the offer of different types for therapy and methods

A paper on recommissioning the counselling service went to Cabinet in July 2025 and was approved. Click here to read this paper. (This will open in a new tab or window).

We did

We are currently writing a service specification and have incorporated the feedback received. The new service will ensure the majority of those accessing the service receive 121 therapy with an average of 10 sessions and this can be extended to 12 if required. We have also included the option of a menu of services to meet peoples needs so this could include a mixture of 121 sessions and group sessions as required. The tender will be released to the market in September 2025 and the new contract will start on 1st June 2026.

Overview

Domestic abuse has devastating impacts for the victim-survivor, that can negatively affect physical, mental, emotional, sexual and reproductive health. It can have long lasting and detrimental impacts on children within households where abuse is taking place. As a result, it is vitally important that victim-survivors have access to free, confidential and non-judgemental support.

Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is inviting adults to take part in this survey to help to inform and shape the future local Domestic Abuse Specialist Counselling and Therapy Service.

This survey is for adult victim survivors of domestic abuse, as well as the general public. The survey is short and we really appreciate your time completing it.

What is domestic abuse? What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is defined as “Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse: psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional.”

What is controlling or coercive behaviour? What is controlling or coercive behaviour?

Controlling behaviour

Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance, and escape, and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour

Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation, or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.

The survey will gather feedback to inform the future Domestic Abuse Counselling and Therapy Service, which is currently commissioned by WCC.

Domestic abuse can affect anyone. This survey is anonymous and confidential and open to all adults and groups of people who might face barriers to accessing services.

Where can I get support?

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone, please contact the Warwickshire Domestic Violence and Abuse Service on 0800 408 1552. For more information about the service please visit:  https://www.talk2someone.org.uk/support-services

If you have concerns that a child or young person is at risk of harm, you should contact us on 01926 414144 and choose option 3. More information can be found here: Child abuse concerns – Warwickshire County Council

If somebody is at risk of immediate harm, or if it is an emergency, please call 999. 

Why your views matter

To help WCC understand the needs of local residents and what the service should focus on, we would appreciate it if you could complete the survey.

Please complete this survey online by using the link below

If you have any queries or need an Easy Read version of the survey, please contact us by phone on 01926 476860 or email datraining@warwickshire.gov.uk

Please be assured that your response is anonymous. Please do not provide any additional personal information in your answers.

Areas

Any area

Audiences

Anyone from any background

Interests

Engagement and surveys
Strategic commissioning

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