A Gateshead councillor has opened up about her experience of domestic abuse as a child. Coun Dawn Welsh said it was essential the council provided safe spaces for victims fleeing abuse amid a high number of cases in the borough.
Figures from the council showed that there were 1,908 referrals to the domestic abuse team in 2024/25. While this was down on the previous year’s figure (2,298) both years were still significantly higher than the previous three.
In addition, 43.6% of referrals were deemed as high risk, and 45% as medium. A total of 92% of adult victims were female, and 1,264 referrals (66.2% involved at least one child.
Opening up
Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the council’s housing, environment and healthy communities scrutiny committee, Coun Welsh said: “I grew up in a household with the threat of violence and coercive control.
“In the 70s and 80s there was no choice, no support. The only way out was to put up and shut up and get out at 18.
“I know exactly what it’s like. I know if we had a viable option, we would have left.
“My mum had no choice. It’s about getting victims to a safe place, somewhere they’re secure.”
Addressing council officers, she added: “My question refers to safe accommodation. What is the current provision? Is it adequate, do we have enough, are there enough options?”
Helping domestic abuse victims
Officers explained that the council has 12 bed spaces in a women’s refuge and nine “dispersed properties” operated by Home Group as safe accommodation. In 2024/25, 21 women were supported in safe accommodation along with 11 children.
The council also accommodated 96 victims in a council property, while 13 were accommodated in private-rented accommodation and 16 by a registered housing provider.
Moving forward, the council is developing a framework for supporting under 16s as a response to the “emerging risk” for young people. The voices of children and young people will also be “strengthened”.
For adults, access to support for victims with additional needs will be improved, while the availability of therapeutic support will be increased. The council will also look to work with perpetrators by working with communities to challenge misogyny and increasing support for perpetrators.
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