Phase one of a major new NHS-backed programme will see GP practices across 12 areas in England connect victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence directly with specialist support services.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has launched the first phase of its new Steps to Safety programme, a national initiative designed to strengthen the role of general practice in identifying and supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The programme, which began rolling out in April 2026, forms part of the government's commitment outlined in the Freedom from Violence and Abuse: A Cross-Government Strategy, published in December 2025. The ambition is to achieve nationwide coverage across England by 2029.
Strengthening Primary Care's Role in Early Intervention
Under the programme, staff working in participating GP practices will receive specialist training to help them recognise the signs of domestic abuse and sexual violence and respond appropriately.
Patients experiencing or recovering from abuse will be able to speak confidentially with any member of staff within participating practices. Where appropriate, and with patient consent, referrals will be made directly to specialist support services.
A dedicated specialist support worker will then act as a single point of contact, helping victims and survivors navigate services and advocate on their behalf.
Dedicated Specialist Support for General Practice Teams
Each participating group of practices will have access to independent Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) specialist workers funded through the programme.
These specialists will work alongside practice teams, providing expertise and support through:
- Training GP practice staff
- Providing ongoing professional support
- Receiving referrals from practices
- Advocating for patients
- Developing personalised safety plans
- Conducting risk assessments
- Arranging access to specialist services
The approach is designed to embed specialist expertise within primary care settings while ensuring patients can access support earlier and more easily.
New Funding for Integrated Care Boards
Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) participating in the programme will receive targeted funding to commission local services and strengthen referral pathways.
The funding will support ICBs to:
- Commission independent DASV providers
- Cover training costs for practices
- Secure specialist support workers to work alongside GP teams and provide tailored support to victims and survivors
£34.4 Million Investment in Phase One
In September 2026, 12 ICBs were selected to take part in the first phase of the programme.
Collectively, they will receive up to £34.4 million over three years to commission or expand specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence services and improve connections between primary care and community-based support organisations.
The investment is expected to help increase local capacity while creating more effective referral pathways for patients.
National Support and Independent Evaluation
To support implementation, DHSC and NHS England are developing a national framework to help ensure consistent delivery across all participating areas.
Support measures will include:
- Training materials and practical resources
- Opportunities for organisations to share learning and best practice
- Targeted implementation support for ICBs and specialist providers
An independent national evaluation will assess how the programme is delivered and measure its impact on patients, healthcare services and specialist support organisations. Findings will be used to inform future expansion and development.
Additional £15 Million for Victim and Survivor Services
Alongside the Steps to Safety rollout, DHSC is investing a further £15 million over three years through a dedicated Victims and Survivors Support Fund.
The funding will be distributed across all ICBs based on the average number of patients registered with GP practices between April and July 2026.
ICBs are being encouraged to use the funding to:
- Improve support services for victims and survivors
- Reduce pressure on existing evidence-based support and outreach programmes
- Increase local specialist service capacity
- Strengthen long-term support pathways
Looking Ahead
The launch of Steps to Safety marks a significant shift in how primary care supports people experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence. By embedding specialist expertise within general practice and creating direct routes into support services, the programme aims to ensure that victims and survivors receive timely, coordinated and compassionate care closer to home.
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