New Domestic Abuse Strategy launched
More than £100,000 in additional funding to support domestic violence and abuse services has been announced by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council at its launch of the new multi-agency Domestic Abuse Strategy.
Domestic abuse is any incident and pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse and can be psychological, physical, sexual, emotional or financial. Between April 2015 and March 2016, Cleveland Police recorded 4,396 reported incidents of domestic abuse in Stockton-on-Tees. A third of these were recorded as a crime (1,469) and more than a fifth of incidents reported (991) led to an arrest.
The Stockton-on-Tees Domestic Abuse Strategy for 2017 - 2022 sets out how a multi-agency approach is being taken to prevent people from becoming victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse, and provide support and protection for those who need it.
It was agreed by the Council's Cabinet in June and was officially launched on Wednesday (19 July).
Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: "Everyone deserves to, and should, live without fear so tackling violence and abuse in the Borough is a priority for us.
"Prevention is much better than cure and that's why the new Domestic Abuse Strategy sets out how the Council and its partners will continue to identify, prevent and stop domestic violence and abuse at the earliest signs. Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council strives to support the most vulnerable people in our communities. So as well as our current investment of £342,000 into support services, we are pleased to announce a further allocation of £103,000 in additional funding towards specialist support for adults, children and young people affected by violence and abuse."
Councillor Steve Nelson, the Council's Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, added: "Domestic abuse in any form is completely unacceptable - there is no excuse for it. We want to ensure that every resident lives free from the fear of abuse. The Domestic Abuse Strategy 2017 - 2022 is our commitment to work in collaboration with our partners to tackle violence and abuse, and reduce the number of victims in the Borough."
To view the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2017-22 visit Our People.
The document was shaped through consultation by the Health and Wellbeing Board with the Children and Young People Partnership, Safer Stockton Partnership, Local Safeguarding Children Board, and Teeswide Adults' Safeguarding Board.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse contact Stockton-on-Tees' domestic abuse services, Harbour, on 01642 553323 or email stocktonrefuge@myharbour.org.uk