Newham Council is pledging help and support for victims of “the scourge” of domestic violence.

Last year police in Newham recorded more than 6,700 cases of domestic abuse and now the Council has, for the first time, developed a three-year strategy to confront this crisis.

Violence in Newham homes is the third highest among the London boroughs and the strategy with action plan were developed after widespread consultation with groups and individuals representing survivors, residents and perpetrators.

The campaign in the first year will involve an information campaign providing easy to read leaflets on where people can go and how they can seek help from community support groups and official organisations.

The strategy includes a continuing commitment to consult with residents and the views of domestic abuse victims have been incorporated into the action plan and will form an essential part of Domestic Abuse Forums that are also planned.

The Action Plan provides for family support, therapy for children affected by domestic abuse, special support for migrants, support for sex workers and targeted behaviour adjustment sessions mainly for men with a record of domestic abuse.

There will be a specialist housing officer designated to work on the issue.

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 a Newham Women’s Safety Plan.

“The scourge of domestic abuse has a devastating effect on families and communities,” said councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care. “It causes continuing trauma, both for its primarily female survivors, as well as for children who are survivors or witnesses to the abuse.”

He said the council recognises that women face particular challenges because of widespread misogyny in society.

“The strategy 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,” he said.

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