A new five-year strategy has been launched which aims to strengthen the city's response to domestic abuse. 

Stoke-on-Trent City Council, police and partner organisations will work together as part of the strategy to strengthen protection, prevention and prosecution across the city.

It sets out plans to improve reporting, increase successful prosecutions and enhance support for survivors and their families. 

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has explained that survivors have helped shape the proposals and will continue to guide the work through representation on the new delivery board. 

The strategy includes work to eradicate domestic abuse in five main areas. 

The strategy aims to prevent domestic abuse by raising awareness, educating young people and training professionals. 

It will also support survivors by providing early help, specialist support for children and safe accommodation. 

The strategy also aims to promote accountability and behaviour changes by ensuring perpetrators face justice and can access behaviour change programmes. 

The council also hopes that the strategy will help to strengthen partnerships with housing, police, health and community organisations as well as improve understanding of domestic abuse in the city and tailoring support to local needs. 

Cllr Lynn Watkins, Chair of the Stoke-on-Trent Domestic Abuse Partnership, said: "Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. 

"This strategy strengthens our commitment to preventing abuse, protecting victims and ensuring that no one in Stoke-on-Trent feels they have to suffer in silence. 

"We are determined to build a city where everyone can live safely and with dignity, free from abuse. 

"We will continue to work closely with charities and community organisations to ensure help is available when it's needed most." 

Data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales shows that around 9.5% of women and 6.5% of men are estimated to have experienced domestic abuse in the last year which is the equivalent of more than 20,000 people in Stoke-on-Trent. 

The council explained that despite this, domestic abuse remains under-reported, often due to fear, stigma, or uncertainty about available support. 

The new strategy will hopes to change this by improving access to information and strengthening coordination between agencies. 

It also focuses on prevention by tackling the root causes of abuse through education and early intervention, including teaching young people about healthy relationships and training professionals to recognise warning signs, using a trauma-informed approach. 

Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Burns, force lead for domestic abuse, said: "We do not underestimate the impact that domestic abuse has on victims and the wider community. 

"The five-year strategy will bring together partners and ensure that we work closely to secure the best outcome for all involved whilst ensuring victims receive enhanced support. 

"I would urge any victims of domestic abuse to report it to us, either by calling 101, anonymously via Crimestoppers or 999 in an emergency. 

"You will be believed and we will take robust action against those responsible." 

Ben Adams, Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, said: "I'm delighted to see the City Council continuing to work with partners and survivors to develop a local strategy in support of all those affected by domestic abuse.  

"Victims can find it incredibly difficult to reach out for support and its important they know that help is always available to them, whenever they need it most.  

"Additionally, for those looking to change their inappropriate attitudes and behaviours, specialist services are also available to help them to change. 

"The New Era Domestic Abuse service, provided under a commissioned arrangement led by my office in conjunction with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire County Council, provides both a Victim Service and a Behaviour Change service for adults and children across our local area." 

New Era provides specialist support for anyone affected by domestic abuse in Stoke-on-Trent.

It is a free and confidential service commissioned by the city council to provide 24/7 help for victims, perpetrators and their families.