The charities express deep concerns over how the situation has been handled, stating that the inaction sends a dangerous message about domestic abuse that could potentially cost lives.

Council chief executive Anna Earnshaw maintains that the allegation was not downplayed or downgraded.

A conservative councilor named Jonathan Nunn stepped down after the BBC published allegations of domestic abuse from five women against him.

A letter signed by several domestic abuse support groups urged the council to take immediate action, expressing concern that the council's previous statements that domestic abuse is a personal matter and investigations are up to the police could discourage victims from coming forward.

The groups emphasized the importance of believing and supporting victim-survivors.

A co-author of a letter regarding allegations against an individual in a profession told the BBC that they believe the person in question should have been suspended during the investigation due to the seriousness of the allegations.