Health needs assessment
A health needs assessment (HNA) is a recommended public health tool to provide evidence about a population on which to plan services and address health inequalities. A HNA provides a vital tool in helping to target populations most in need of efforts to prevent domestic abuse and improved support and services for those that require it. The HNA provides an opportunity for cross-sectoral partnership working and developing creative and effective interventions moving forward. A detailed health needs assessment has been developed for the North Tyneside Domestic Abuse Board.
Summary of key highlights
Prevalence
Domestic abuse is an underreported crime. Based on national prevalence rates, it is estimated that up to 7,500 North Tyneside residents may have experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. Northumbria Police recorded just over 5,500 domestic abuse incidents in North Tyneside in 2023/24 – this figure will include those with more than one incident.
The rate of domestic abuse related incidents and crimes is above the England average (38.0 per 100,000 in North Tyneside compared to the 30.6 per 100,000 England average). This has increased from 36.7 per 100,000 in 2021-22 and is consistent with a rising trend since 2015-2016.
Nationally one in five (20.5%) people aged 16 years and over in England and Wales reported experiencing domestic abuse in their lifetime. Locally this could equate to over 35,000 North Tyneside residents having experienced domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse rates are stubbornly high in North Tyneside’s more deprived wards.
Local specialist domestic abuse services have seen an increase in referrals and have long waiting lists.
Inequalities
Domestic abuse is more prevalent among several groups including those aged 16-19, mixed and white ethnic groups and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Those who are separated, divorced or single, with a long-term or temporary illness, and those looking after their family and home also appear more vulnerable.
Perpetrators
Nationally, the vast majority (95%) of domestic abuse perpetrators are male.
The North Tyneside Domestic Abuse Partnership could improve their engagement with perpetrators. In 2023/24 there were 17.7% less referrals than in the previous year.
Safe accommodation
Between 2019/20 and 2023/24, the number of domestic abuse presentations to North Tyneside Council’s Housing and Property Services increased by two thirds (67.6%).
Households are increasingly placed in emergency bed and breakfast accommodation as demand for safe accommodation outstrips supply. There is little safe accommodation provision in North Tyneside for domestic abuse victims who are male or have protected characteristics.
Victims
Based on national prevalence, local estimates suggest that in the year ending March 2023, the following may have experience domestic abuse in North Tyneside.
Sex
- More than 5,000 women
- Over 2,500 men
Age
- Up to 5636 people aged between 16-59
- Up to 695 people aged between 16-19
- Up to 1210 people aged between 60-74
- Up to 269 aged over 75
Sexual orientation
- Up to 246 gay or lesbian individuals
- Up to 303 bisexual individuals
- 1,848 residents who were married or civil partnered
Household structure
- Up to 2,076 single parent households
- Up to 2,114 households with no children
Up to 837 households with multiple people and one or more children.