Gateshead Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28
Introduction
This is our first multi-agency Domestic Abuse Strategy for Gateshead that extends beyond our statutory duties. It has been coproduced with partners, developed from:
- Our local Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment
- A multi-agency strategy development workshop
- Engagement with our specialist Domestic Abuse Service
- Consultation with members of our Domestic Abuse Partnership Board
Why do we need a Domestic Abuse Strategy?
Domestic abuse is widespread in Gateshead, with a significantly higher number of incidents and crimes reported in our area than the national average.
Over the last 3 years, there has been an increase in the number of domestic abuse incidents reported in Gateshead, and an increase in the number and complexity of referrals to agencies across the Partnership. The Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment provides detailed information on the need and demand in Gateshead over the last 3 years.
Domestic abuse can have a negative impact on victim/survivor's health, with the potential to cause further cycles of abuse. In extreme cases, it can result in death by homicide or suicide.
This Strategy focuses on moving towards a prevention model of domestic abuse, placing an added emphasis on early intervention, preventing harm to children and young people, and tackling perpetrators to prevent further harm to victim/survivors of domestic abuse.
To achieve the aims of the strategy, the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board (DAPB) will work towards a fully Coordinated Community Response (CCR) which, as defined by Standing Together, enables a whole system response to every individual victim and survivor. In turn, our aim is to shift responsibility for safety away from individuals to the community and services existing to
support them.
Every agency that has a responsibility for working with victims, survivors, their children and/or perpetrators, must work effectively within their agency and with all other agencies who also have that responsibility, to secure the safety of the survivor and their children and hold perpetrators to account.