Domestic abuse support referrals still 'too high'

While referrals decreased from last year in the town, they still remain at a four-year high, figures show

A town's domestic abuse referrals have decreased in the last year but are still too high at more than 1,900, a charity has said.

Gateshead Council annual data showed a drop in referrals made by its domestic abuse team in 2024/5 compared to the previous year's figure of 2,298.

However, referrals for support remain high, with an overall increase of 22.9% over the last four years.

The charity Refuge, which supports victims, is urging the government to give more funding to councils and other support organisations.

In 2024/5 - 1,908 referrals, equating to 37 a week, were made by the council's domestic abuse team, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Jealous or controlling behaviour and emotional abuse were among the most common behaviours, at 71.2%, followed by physical abuse at 54.6%, harassment at 53.6%, sexual violence at 18.8%, and financial abuse at 6.2%.

'Prioritising prevention'

Figures showed that 45% of cases were classed as medium risk and 43% as high risk, with 80% of victims receiving support ranging from safe accommodation and referrals to charities and other organisations.

The areas identified with the highest rates included Blaydon, Dunston and Teams, Lobley Hill and Bensham, Lamesley, High Fell, Deckham, Windy Nook and Whitehills, Felling, Pelaw and Heworth.

In 2020/1 there were 1,731 referrals, in 2021/2 - 1,582, in 2023/3 - 1,866 and in 2023/24 there were 2,298.

A Refuge spokesperson said the figures "come as no surprise" and represented the "tip of the iceberg" of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

"The government must take urgent action if it is to achieve its pledge to halve VAWG within the next decade.

"At the centre of this plan must be ring-fenced, multi-year funding for specialist organisations to ensure as many survivors as possible can access lifesaving support."

The council report said 110 referrals in 2024/25 were made to its behaviour programme for perpetrators of violence.

Most referrals to the programme were made by children services.

Councillor Angela Douglas, chair of the Gateshead Community Safety Board, said the domestic abuse partnership strategy was prioritising prevention and holding perpetrators to account.

"Our highly skilled and qualified professionals take a holistic approach to offer the right support to victims of domestic abuse, meaning that they provide tailored support to every individual."