Five-year strategy launched to tackle domestic abuse in Stoke-on-Trent
Councillors say survivors have been central in shaping the plan
A new five-year strategy has been unveiled hoping to strengthen Stoke-on-Trent’s response to domestic abuse, with a united commitment from the city council, police, and partner organisations to improve prevention, protection, and prosecution.
The strategy sets out an ambitious vision to increase reporting, boost successful prosecutions, and enhance support for survivors and their families.
Councillors say survivors have been central in shaping the plan and will continue to play a key role through representation on a new Domestic Abuse Delivery Board.
The city’s approach focuses on five key priorities:
- Preventing domestic abuse: Raising awareness, delivering education for young people, and training professionals
- Supporting survivors: Providing early help, specialist services for children, and safe accommodation
- Accountability and behaviour change: Ensuring perpetrators face justice while accessing behaviour change programmes
- Collaboration and community participation: Strengthening partnerships with housing, health, police, and voluntary sectors
- Ensuring positive impact: Improving local understanding of domestic abuse and tailoring support to community needs
Councillor Lynn Watkins, Chair of the Stoke-on-Trent Domestic Abuse Partnership, said: “Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities.
“This strategy strengthens our commitment to preventing abuse, protecting victims and ensuring that no one in Stoke-on-Trent feels they have to suffer in silence. We are determined to build a city where everyone can live safely and with dignity, free from abuse.
“We will continue to work closely with charities and community organisations to ensure help is available when it’s needed most."
According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, around 9.5% of women and 6.5% of men experienced domestic abuse in the past year, equivalent to more than 20,000 people in Stoke-on-Trent.
Yet, under-reporting remains a challenge due to stigma, fear, and uncertainty about available support.
The council says the new strategy aims to change that by improving access to information, enhancing coordination between agencies, and tackling root causes through education and early intervention.
Professionals will receive training in trauma-informed approaches to recognise and respond effectively to warning signs.
"You will be believed and we will take robust action"
Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Burns, the force lead for domestic abuse, said: “We do not underestimate the impact that domestic abuse has on victims and the wider community.
“The five-year strategy will bring together partners and ensure that we work closely to secure the best outcome for all involved whilst ensuring victims receive enhanced support.
“I would urge any victims of domestic abuse to report it to us, either by calling 101, anonymously via Crimestoppers or 999 in an emergency. You will be believed and we will take robust action against those responsible.”
Specialist 24/7 support in Stoke-on-Trent is available through New Era, a free and confidential service commissioned by the city council and supported by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office.
The service offers help for victims, perpetrators, and families across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, including behaviour change programmes for those seeking to reform.
"Help is always available"
Ben Adams, Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, added: “I’m delighted to see the City Council continuing to work with partners and survivors to develop a local strategy in support of all those affected by domestic abuse.
“Victims can find it incredibly difficult to reach out for support and its important they know that help is always available to them, whenever they need it most.
“Additionally, for those looking to change their inappropriate attitudes and behaviours, specialist services are also available to help them to change.
“The New Era Domestic Abuse service, provided under a commissioned arrangement led by my office in conjunction with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council, provides both a Victim Service and a Behaviour Change service for adults and children across our local area."