Help for Victims of Domestic Violence

A strategy to reduce the number of incidents of domestic abuse and support its victims will go before councillors in South Tyneside next week.

The key aims of the Domestic Abuse Strategy include providing high quality housing and services for families affected by domestic abuse, protecting children from exposure to abuse, working with perpetrators who want to change their behaviour and creating the conditions for happy and healthy relationships.

The report will go to councillors next Thursday (25 November) giving an update on the latest draft of the strategy. The meeting takes place on White Ribbon Day which coincides with the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The focus of the campaign this year is asking #AllMenCan, encouraging men to wear a ribbon and make a difference. The Council has applied to become a White Ribbon accredited organisation and will be flying the White Ribbon flag on the day.

This year 16 days of activism will see a range of activities and events promoted to raise awareness about domestic violence.

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing, said: "We want to raise awareness that everyone has the ability to challenge the attitudes and behaviours of perpetrators of abuse within South Tyneside.

"We also need to promote the important work of the services supporting victims and their children and remind victims of abuse that help is out there for them."

The draft domestic abuse strategy is currently available on the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/haveyoursay People can continue to give their views on the until the end of November at public.health@southtyneside.gov.uk