Plan to tackle 'devastating' domestic abuse

About 9.5% of women and 6.5% of men were estimated to have experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales

A five-year plan to crack down on the "devastating" issue of domestic abuse in Stoke-on-Trent has been announced.

The city council and Staffordshire Police said the plan would help to improve reporting of abuse, increase successful prosecutions and enhance support for victims.

Measures included making it easier to access information and teaching young people about healthy relationships, as well as training more professionals to recognise warning signs.

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."

According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, about 9.5% of women and 6.5% of men were estimated to have experienced domestic abuse.

The city council said this was the equivalent of more than 20,000 people in Stoke-on-Trent.

Councillor Lynn Watkins said domestic abuse had a "devastating impact" on families

The new plan for the city highlighted five key areas:

• Preventing domestic abuse - raising awareness, educating young people and training professionals

• Support survivors - providing early help, specialist support for children and safe accommodation

• Accountability and behaviour change – ensuring perpetrators face justice and can access behaviour change programmes

• Collaboration and community participation – strengthening partnerships with housing, police, health and community organisations

• Ensuring a positive impact – improving understanding of domestic abuse and tailoring support to local needs

Det Ch Insp Shelley Burns, of Staffordshire Police, said the plan would help to secure the "best outcome for all involved" while ensuring victims were supported.

"We do not underestimate the impact that domestic abuse has on victims and the wider community," she said.