On The Agenda: Why White Ribbon Day matters to us all

Cllr Ruth Berkley, South Tyneside Council’s lead member for adults health and independence, tells why it is an issue for the whole community.

Equality, respect, and safety have always been at the heart of my work.

As someone who has long championed women’s rights and fairness for all, I believe that no one should live in fear in their own home.

Domestic abuse is not just a private issue – it’s a community issue and tackling it is a responsibility that we all share.

As we mark White Ribbon Day this month, I want everyone in South Tyneside to remember that domestic abuse can affect anyone – regardless of gender, age, or background.

It destroys lives, families, and futures – and the scale of the problem is stark.

Nationally, around 3.9 million people experienced domestic abuse last year, and one in four women and one in six men will experience it in their lifetime.

Police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds.

These figures remind us why our work matters.

In South Tyneside, the challenge is equally serious.

Between April last year and March, there were 5,103 domestic abuse incidents reported to Northumbria Police – the highest rate in the region, at 41.7 incidents per 1,000 population.

Almost half of these cases involved children, and 41% were repeat victims.

Behind every statistic is a person who needs help and hope.

That’s why South Tyneside Council has a zero-tolerance approach to domestic abuse.

Through our Domestic Abuse Partnership, we work with police, health services, and voluntary organisations to provide a safety net for those at risk.

This includes:

*24/7 support services offering confidential advice and practical help.

*Safe accommodation for those who need to leave urgently.

*Specialist programmes for perpetrators, aimed at breaking the cycle of abuse.

*Training for professionals so they can spot the signs and respond quickly.

As part of our commitment to working together, we jointly fund – along with the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner – a programme that helps people who have caused harm in their relationships to change their behaviour.

Restart, in partnership with Northumbria Police and Paladin – the National Stalking Advocacy Service – was shortlisted for the prestigious Alice Ruggles Trust Awards 2025, recognising multi-agency efforts to address and prevent stalking.

By working regionally, we’re not only tackling abuse here in South Tyneside, but also helping to set priorities and encourage collaboration across the North East. The Alice Ruggles Trust deliver workshops in every secondary school, helping young people spot the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships.

In South Tyneside alone, 330 young people have already taken part.

Supporting children and young people is at the heart of what we do.

We share key resources about healthy relationships and signpost support through our Restart service.

We offer specialist programmes such as Respect Young People’s Programme (RYPP) – which helps families where a young person is abusive towards a parent or carer, and REVIVE which supports younger children who are displaying abusive behaviours in the home.

We also offer Dating Detox for teenagers where concerns have been raised about their behaviours in their own relationships.

Schools can refer young people to these services, so help is available when it’s needed most.

Alongside Restart, organisations like Bright Futures, SURT, and Impact Family Services are also supporting young people and families across the borough.

Since the Restart Integrated Domestic Abuse Hub opened in November, we’ve received 2,032 referrals for support – covering victims, people who have caused harm, and children.

Our Restart service alone received 2,959 referrals last year, supporting victims and survivors and working with perpetrators to change behaviour.

We know that tackling domestic abuse means addressing root causes as well as immediate safety, and that’s why we invest in education and prevention alongside crisis support.

White Ribbon Day is about men and boys pledging never to commit, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women.

But it’s also about all of us standing together to create a culture where abuse is never tolerated.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit www.restartsouthtyneside.co.uk or call 07977 595 910 or 0800 254 5087.

Every conversation could save a life.

Together, we can make South Tyneside a place where everyone feels safe – in their home, in their relationships, and in their community.