COUNCILLORS‎ have agreed their blueprint on how to tackle domestic abuse in Southampton.

The city has an above-average level of domestic abuse and sexual violence, with 5.2 per cent of women reporting the crimes as opposed to 3.6 per cent nationally.

In response city council chiefs have put forward a plan to work with the police, health bodies and other organisations on the Prevention, Intervention and Public Protection Alliance (PIPPA).

PIPPA will see a first point of contact offered for victims, while more guidance, inform‎ation and education will be made available for residents.

The plan has an emphasis on prevention rather than reacting to abuse, and will see perpetrators rather than victims removed from family homes.

Tonight, the city council's cabinet agreed to spend £512,000 on the plan, which will also eventually feature an overhaul of refuge services.