New Service for Victims of Domestic Abuse

A new service is being launched this week in South Tyneside to help tackle the problem of domestic abuse.

The Restart service, within the Council's Children and Families Service, is launching on White Ribbon Day which is the international day for the elimination of violence against women. It is another example of how the Council is delivering on its priority of supporting families and vulnerable communities.

The main aims of the new service are to work directly with parents and carers who have experienced abuse, improve the safety and wellbeing of children by reducing the incidents of abuse and by working directly with perpetrators of abuse to help them change their behaviour.

Victims of abuse will be offered support to re-build family bonds and increase family resilience while perpetrators will be encouraged to think about the impact of their behaviour.

Councillor Adam Ellison, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: "Abusers use emotional, financial and sexual abuse as well as intimidation and other tactics to establish power and control over their partners.

"It can also be a vicious circle. We know that many children carry the trauma of hearing or seeing domestic abuse throughout their entire lives. It impacts on trust, self-worth, relationships, mental health and their own future parenting abilities. For all these reasons I am delighted that this new service has been created which I'm sure will bring hope to many people."

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: "It must never get forgotten that the children who experience the abuse are just as much the victims too. It's so important with domestic abuse that the whole family is supported and I think having this service in place will improve the lives of those who need it in South Tyneside."

To find out more about the new service, contact I'sha Hussain at Isha.Hussain@southtyneside.gov.uk