Standards for Stalking and Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Interventions

The Home Office has published a policy paper setting out standards for interventions aimed at perpetrators of stalking and domestic abuse. This guide explains what the paper contains, who it is for, and how to read or use it.

The Home Office has published a new policy paper setting out standards for interventions with perpetrators of stalking and domestic abuse. Released on 7 August 2026, it defines what good practice looks like for those who commission, deliver, or work in this field. This guide explains what the paper covers and how to access it.

At a glance

• Published: 7 August 2026
• Publisher: Home Office (GOV.UK)
• Type: Policy paper / guidance
• Focus: Stalking and domestic abuse perpetrator interventions
• Audience: Commissioners, providers, professionals

What Is the Policy Paper: Standards for Stalking and Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Interventions?

This policy paper is an official Home Office document. It sets out the standards expected for interventions with perpetrators of stalking and domestic abuse. The aim is to improve the quality and consistency of these interventions across England and Wales.

The paper is not a law. It is guidance. It tells service providers and commissioners what good practice looks like. It also helps professionals understand what an effective intervention should include.

You can read the full paper on the GOV.UK website. The link is provided in the next section.

Who Is This Policy Paper For?

This paper is mainly for people who work with perpetrators of stalking or domestic abuse. That includes:

• Commissioners who buy or arrange these services
• Providers who run perpetrator programmes
• Probation and prison staff
• Social workers and health professionals
• Police officers and other criminal justice staff

If you are a victim or survivor, this paper may also be useful. It explains what standards you can expect from interventions. However, it is written for a professional audience.

The paper does not apply to victims or survivors directly. It focuses on the people who cause harm.

What Does the Policy Paper Cover?

The paper sets out the core elements of a good intervention. It covers areas such as:

• Risk assessment and management
• Behaviour change programmes
• Multi-agency working
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Staff training and qualifications

The exact content is in the full document. The Home Office has not published a summary in the facts we have. To see the full details, you need to read the paper itself.

You can access it by following the link on the GOV.UK page.

Key Dates and Publication Details

The policy paper was published on 7 August 2026. That is the only date given in the facts. There is no deadline for reading or using the paper. It is guidance, not a time-limited opportunity.

If you need to know about any future updates or consultations, check the GOV.UK page regularly. The Home Office may add new information there.

How to Access the Policy Paper: Standards for Stalking and Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Interventions

To read the paper, go to the GOV.UK website. The official page is at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/standards-for-stalking-and-domestic-abuse-perpetrator-interventions.

You can download the paper as a PDF. You can also read it online. The page may include other related documents, such as impact assessments or summaries.

If you cannot find what you need, use the contact details on the GOV.UK page. The Home Office can help with specific questions.

How to Use the Policy Paper in Your Work

If you commission or deliver interventions, use these standards to review your current practice. Compare your services against the standards. Identify gaps and make improvements.

If you are a professional working with perpetrators, use the standards to guide your assessments and plans. They can help you decide what type of intervention is appropriate.

If you are a victim or survivor, you can use the standards to understand what a good intervention looks like. You can also ask service providers how they meet these standards.

Keep a copy of the paper for reference. Share it with colleagues and partners.

Eligibility and Scope of the Standards

The standards apply to interventions that work with adults who perpetrate stalking or domestic abuse. They are not for programmes aimed at children or young people who cause harm, unless the paper says otherwise. The paper may also cover specific types of interventions, such as group programmes or one-to-one work.

If you are unsure whether your service falls within the scope, check the paper’s introduction or definitions section. The Home Office often includes a clear statement about who the standards apply to. If you cannot find it, contact the Home Office for clarification.

Remember, the paper is guidance, not law. However, commissioners may use it as a benchmark when deciding which services to fund. Providers that do not meet the standards may find it harder to secure contracts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Standards

Here are some common mistakes professionals make when reading or applying such standards:

• Assuming the paper is law. It is guidance, so you should use it to inform practice, not as a legal requirement.
• Ignoring the risk assessment guidance. Risk assessment is a core part of any intervention. Do not skip it.
• Working in isolation. The standards likely stress multi-agency working. Involve police, probation, social care, and health partners.
• Not evaluating your work. Monitoring and evaluation are key. Collect data to show what works.
• Failing to train staff. Ensure your team has the right qualifications and ongoing training.

Avoid these pitfalls to get the most from the standards.

Practical Tips for Implementing the Standards

Implementing new standards can feel like a big task. Here are practical steps to make it easier:

1. Read the full paper carefully. Highlight the sections that apply to your role.
2. Create a checklist of the standards. Use it to audit your current practice.
3. Hold a team meeting to discuss the paper. Talk about what changes are needed.
4. Set a timeline for making improvements. Prioritise the most critical gaps.
5. Work with other agencies. Share the paper with partners and agree on joint actions.
6. Review your progress regularly. Update your checklist and adjust your plans.

These steps help you turn the paper into real change.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Policy Paper

Here are answers to common questions about the policy paper. If you have others, check the GOV.UK page or contact the Home Office.

Is this paper mandatory? No, it is guidance. But it may influence funding and commissioning decisions.

Does it apply to Scotland or Northern Ireland? The facts do not say. It likely applies to England and Wales, but confirm on GOV.UK.

Can I use it for training? Yes, you can use it to train staff. It is a useful resource for professional development.

Will there be updates? Possibly. Check the GOV.UK page for new versions or related documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the policy paper about?

It sets out standards for interventions with people who commit stalking or domestic abuse. It is guidance from the Home Office.

Who should read this policy paper?

Anyone who commissions, delivers, or works with perpetrator interventions. It is also useful for professionals in criminal justice, health, and social care.

Is there a deadline to read or use the paper?

No. The paper is guidance. There is no deadline. You can read it at any time.

Where can I find the full paper?

On the GOV.UK website. The direct link is in this guide.

Does the paper apply to me if I work with victims?

Not directly. The paper focuses on perpetrators. But you may find it useful to understand what interventions victims’ partners or ex-partners might attend.

Can I use the standards to evaluate my programme?

Yes. Use the standards as a checklist. Assess how your programme measures up and make improvements.

Are there any costs to access the paper?

No. It is free to read and download on GOV.UK.

What if I need more help understanding the paper?

Contact the Home Office through the GOV.UK page. They should be able to answer your questions.

Before you apply

Now that you know what the policy paper covers, the next step is to read it. Go to the official GOV.UK page and download the paper. Review your current practices against the standards. If you have questions, contact the Home Office through the page.

This guidance is important for improving safety and reducing harm. Use it to strengthen your work.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.