Review of Domestic Abuse Support Services

Hartlepool Borough Council wants them to share their experiences – whether the abuse happened recently or in the past.

It says this will help it to understand whether current services are meeting people’s needs and where improvements are needed.

Where people didn’t use local services, the Council is keen to find out why.

People can share information by completing an online survey at https://yoursay.hartlepool.gov.uk/dva-2024 which runs until 30th November.

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Tackling domestic abuse in all its forms is a key priority for the authority.

“I would encourage anyone who has experienced domestic abuse to come forward and talk to us, as what they tell us could be key to improving local support services.

“Any information that is shared with us will be held securely and when we produce our findings report all data will be reported in an anonymous or pseudonymised form so that no-one be identified.”

Jonathan Brash MP, Chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, said: “Domestic abuse is a stain on our society and we must do everything in our power to support victims and tackle perpetrators. A vital step in that process is listening to those impacted by this terrible crime. I’d urge anyone affected to share their experiences so we can make support services the very best that they can be.” 

Domestic abuse is defined in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 as any of the following actions that have taken place between two people who are partners/ex-partners or family members, and who are both over the age of 16:

• Physical or sexual abuse.
• Violent or threatening behaviour.
• Controlling or coercive behaviour.
• Economic abuse.
• Psychological, emotional or other abuse.

Support for individuals and families affected by domestic abuse in Hartlepool is available from Harbour. More information is available at www.myharbour.org.uk