Sunderland NO MORE: Strategy Launched
In May 2025, Sunderland City Council, in partnership with a broad network of local organisations and stakeholders, launched its strategy to end domestic abuse and VAWG following months of planning, research, and community engagement. Titled “No More: Strategy to End Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls,” this mission-led, 10-year strategy is structured around the innovative 12345 Framework.
While the strategy places a strong emphasis on tackling violence against women and girls, it also recognises that domestic abuse can affect anyone. The approach is inclusive, aiming to prevent abuse in all its forms, support all survivors, and hold perpetrators to account. It represents a united commitment to creating a safer Sunderland for everyone.
The Launch Event
The event opened with a powerful address from Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales. She praised the city’s strategy, welcomed its 10-year timeframe, and endorsed the mission-led framework.
The launch included a line-up of speakers from a wide range of services, groups, and networks—all dedicated to tackling domestic abuse (DA) and violence against women and girls (VAWG). WWIN shared their work to support communities across Sunderland to live free from domestic abuse, the work of the Findaway project which friends and families can access if they are concerned about someone’s relationship, and they shared a video from their perpetrator service. Dr Sue Robson PhD delivered a presentation about Tina’s Haven; A catalyst for emancipatory practice using arts & nature. The presentation covered:
· The marginalisation of mothers severed from their children by trauma-based (and VAWG induced) addiction.
· An example of how we can think creatively to co-design deliver services with women at the centre.
· Case study of Tina’s Haven emancipatory arts & nature-based practice.
Attendees heard contributions from victim survivors of domestic abuse and violence, who shared their experiences through song, poetry, artwork, and voice recordings. Their stories highlighted the profound impact of DA and VAWG on individuals and families. The experts by experience insights were instrumental in shaping the launch agenda and continue to guide the strategy’s development.
The Framework
The 12345 Framework from the Sunderland NO MORE: Strategy is structured into five concentric layers, each representing a key component of the mission to end domestic abuse and violence against women and girls:
Next Steps
The strategy will be driven forward by:
- A multi-agency Alliance group
- A Lived Experience Assurance Group
- These groups will co-design services and support systems, ensuring that the survivor voice remains central to all actions and decisions.
Represent Women Member Remarks
Domestic Abuse Charity | Wearside Women in Need | Sunderland a Tier One member of Represent Women, attended the launch and expressed strong support for the strategy and its potential impact:
“At WWIN we wholeheartedly welcome Sunderland City Council’s new strategy to end domestic abuse and violence against women and girls. This is an ambitious and crucially long-term plan; one that recognises both the scale of the challenge and the depth of the change required. It’s heartening to see a strategy that is mission-led, with a clear commitment to learning and evolving. We’re especially encouraged by the recognition that prevention, and pursuing those who use abusive behaviours, are essential. These priorities must go hand-in-hand, along with the strong emphasis on community as a powerful agent of change. Most importantly, we welcome the central role of survivors’ voices in shaping this approach.
Meaningful change begins with people and relationships. Community-based responses that draw on the strengths and assets already present within our communities are fundamental to how we work at WWIN. A holistic, whole-systems approach — one that understands domestic abuse as something that affects not only individuals but whole families and communities — is vital for future success. This strategy is a call to action and we look forward to working alongside all our partners to turn these commitments into a reality for individuals and communities across Sunderland.”
Cullagh Warnock, Co-Chair of WWIN Domestic Abuse Services, added:
“An inspiring and motivating morning, starting with a detailed message from Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, who appeared genuinely impressed with the ambition and clarity of this strategy (and she reads a lot of them). As well as hearing from the wonderful colleagues at WWIN, my highlight was the contributions from colleagues from Angelou Centre, Sangini and the emerging local women’s organisation Al-Falaq – drawing attention to the opportunities to work in partnership to reach every woman who needs support.”
Dr Sue Robson, Tina’s Haven said of the event:
“It was a privilege to be asked to deliver a presentation about Tina’s Haven at “No More”, the launch of Sunderland’s VAWG strategy. I have lived in Sunderland for the best part of my life, and journey as a feminist community development practitioner started in Sunderland almost 40 years ago. As both a victim and survivor of VAWG and having witnessed the tragic aftermath of one of my four children being placed with the male-perpetrator, I wholeheartedly welcome this refreshed and energetic approach. There were female practitioners in the room that I have been joined in struggle with to end VAWG for many years, some for almost a quarter of a century! The event left me feeling hopeful, that we are strong enough force now to bring about the changes that are needed; and from the dynamic and diverse range of presentations, it feels like that change has already started.