Council chiefs have praised “significant progress” over the past year in helping victims of domestic abuse and strengthening support services – with more than 1,000 people aided.

The latest authority-wide meeting of South Tyneside Council was presented with the organisation’s domestic abuse annual report which showcased work carried out on the issue over the 12 month period up to November 2025.

Leading councillors said key achievements include the council’s integrated domestic abuse hub continuing to develop as the single point of access for anyone affected by domestic abuse in the borough.

placeholder image — South Shields Town Hall | LDRS

The hub, managed by Restart, brings together support for victims, children, and perpetrators.

This year, Restart supported over 1,000 people, including 793 victims, 60 perpetrators, and 184 children and young people.

Meanwhile the council’s innovative ‘cluster model’ for safer accommodation has now been operational for over a year, supporting 20 single people and 13 families.

Elsewhere Restart has provided 120 “sanctuary interventions” to support those who have been able to remain in their own homes, while local authority housing teams have been able to provide 39 council tenants with additional security.

Training and awareness have also been a priority and last year’s White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Activism saw a programme of events, including awareness campaigns, staff training, and community engagement.

Additionally domestic abuse champions have been introduced across council teams.

Labour’s Councillor Ruth Berkley, cabinet member for adults, independence and health, speaking at the meeting at South Shields Town Hall (on Thursday, January 15), noted the report “emphasises the need for a co-ordinated system-wide response involving all partners”.

She said: “Ongoing challenges include repeat victimisation, coercive control, stalking and domestic abuse related deaths.

“There is increasing demand for accommodation for single women with complex needs.

“High levels of need persist and are stretching our resources, with uncertainty around future funding and the impact of changes to Police and Crime Commissioner structures.”

She added a static refuge for up to eight women is also scheduled to open in the borough in spring 2026.

Councillor Nicky Gynn, Green Group representative, said she was “particularly delighted” with this development.

She added: “Having spoken to a number of survivors in the past I was aware of the need for a refuge.

“I’m also delighted the housing team is playing a vital role in identifying and reporting cases of domestic abuse.

“With the national increase in domestic abuse cases, it is imperative that as many frontline services as possible are aware of the signs, how to manage this and that training is offered to all practitioners in South Tyneside.”

She continued: “It is increasingly important that we all call out misogynistic language and behaviour.”

The annual report also highlights the council’s ongoing work with children and young people, the introduction of new behaviour change programmes, and strengthened partnerships with health, police, and voluntary sector organisations.