A NEW group has been set up to ensure people affected by domestic abuse receive a joined-up response.

The North East Hampshire Domestic Abuse Forum in Basingstoke, which met for the first time recently, is comprised of 19 representatives from a wide range of groups, including the police, housing, domestic abuse services, Citizens Advice, and health.

The forum, set up by the Safer North Hampshire Community Safety Team, aims to improve performance in how domestic abuse is tackled across agencies, working in a coordinated manner to ensure that those affected by domestic abuse can access the most appropriate services for them and receive a consistent response across agencies.

Councillor Simon Bound, cabinet member for community safety at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: β€œIn 2016/17 there were over 2,500 incidents of domestic abuse reported to the police from the Basingstoke area. Forming a network of agencies will benefit everyone as it will help to ensure that victims, perpetrators and children and young people affected by domestic abuse received a joined-up response, regardless of which agency they initially approach.”

Support for domestic abuse victims and children in the Basingstoke area is provided by the You Trust which can be contacted on 0330 0165112.

Self-referrals from men and women are welcome, in addition to agency referrals.

Support for those concerned about their own abusive behaviour is provided through the Domestic Abuse Prevention Partnership, available on 02380 989898 or via the Respect phoneline on 0808 802 4040. In an emergency, call 999.