Domestic abuse strategy

In setting out a revised set of priorities for 2024-27 the domestic abuse partnership will: 

Prioritise prevention

Aim

To reduce the prevalence of domestic abuse and domestic abuse related deaths by preventing people from becoming perpetrators and victims. 

Actions

• Research and promote quality assured interventions and resources for primary prevention with men and boys and to raise awareness of healthy respectful relationships, working in partnership with Education North Tyneside, schools and the wider children and young people workforce.
• Incorporate the learning from domestic abuse related death reviews across all agencies to prevent domestic abuse and fatal domestic abuse.
• Ensure the partnership utilises the North Tyneside domestic abuse marketing toolkit to ensure specialist support information is easily accessible when needed by both professionals and the community.

Support victims

Aim

Help all domestic abuse victims return to life as normal by supporting their health, emotional, economic and social needs.

Actions

• Continue to review safe accommodation provision and demand and its accessibility including the Sanctuary scheme to inform next steps locally.
• Continue to develop the domestic abuse training offer to ensure multi agency staff have the skills and knowledge to identify, signpost and refer those that require it for support. Consider the required policies and procedures for housing providers under the Social Housing Regulations 2023.
• Review commissioning and provision of domestic abuse services following the needs assessment and continued focus on the domestic abuse data dashboard in line with the duties associated with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Pursue perpetrators

Aim

Reduce the number of repeat offenders, ensure that agencies work together to target, disrupt and engage those causing risk and harm, and provide support and stabilisation to those who want to change their behaviour.

Actions

• Continue to raise awareness of the local offer and referral pathways, utilising the Champions network, expanding multi-agency partnerships, campaigns and training.
• Maintain effective partnership working to improve the management of risk, support engagement and ensure appropriate referral, whilst retaining a focus on the needs of the victim. Ensure colleagues feel secure and supported in engaging with perpetrators.
• Work with partners to find solutions to challenges, developing innovative ways of engaging with those causing risk and harm and encouraging engagement with the behaviour change service. 

Build a stronger system

Aim

To improve the systems and processes underpinning the response to domestic abuse in North Tyneside. 

Actions

• Align strategic local actions with national ambitions to ensure a consistent approach across North Tyneside. Ensure collaboration between partners around strategy, assessment of needs and commissioning.
• Focus on primary prevention to protect residents and reduce service demand.
• Develop local systems in response to changing legislation and presentation of harms including learning from local safeguarding boards. Ensure services are appropriate for the local area.
• Continue to ensure the survivor voice is heard throughout the local system including commissioning services. 

Domestic Abuse Partnership Action Plan

Domestic abuse is a complex, multi-faceted system that requires each agency to work in partnership to improve the lives of victims and survivors of abuse. The strategic actions set out in this strategy will not take place in isolation but as part of a co-ordinated approach to supporting vulnerable people and families across North Tyneside. To ensure the delivery of the strategic themes, the partnership will oversee the development of a multi-agency action plan and report achievements through the Safer North Tyneside Partnership.