The 3-year strategy was officially adopted by the council’s Cabinet yesterday.
The strategy and action plan were developed in consultation with survivors, residents and perpetrators and takes a borough-wide public health approach to prevent domestic abuse.
The strategy includes 12 priorities with quarterly targets to measure its effectiveness. In the first year the strategy will deliver a campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse and how survivors can access support; development of an enhanced multi-agency response; employment of specialist officers to assist domestic abuse survivors with housing; and the development of our Women’s Safety Plan.
Cllr Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Domestic abuse has a devastating effect on families and communities, causing continuing trauma, both for its primarily female survivors, as well as for children who are survivors or witnesses to the abuse.
“Preventing domestic abuse and supporting survivors is one of the most important priorities. I am pleased that our 2022-25 Domestic Abuse strategy has been agreed – we will tackle the scourge of domestic abuse locally and I want survivors to know that there is help and support available in Newham.”
The council recognises that women face particular challenges due to societal misogyny - the 2022-25 Domestic Abuse Strategy is one of the ways we’re addressing this and building a fairer Newham for all.
The strategy will create a whole borough community response that creates an understanding of the whole picture for each survivor, their family, friends, neighbourhood and the wider Newham community. It will also incorporate preventative measures to avert violence against women and girls occurring, as well as ensuring support services are culturally appropriate for all of our communities.