Decision details

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Noted the findings of the public consultation conducted on the NFDC Domestic Abuse Strategy; and

2.     Approved the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-2028.

KEY DECISION:

Yes

PORTFOLIO:

Community, Safety and Wellbeing

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing introduced the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-2028.  He reflected that Domestic Abuse is one of the most harmful crimes in society with far reaching and long-lasting consequences for both adults and children.  Growing up in a household with fear and intimidation can impact on health, wellbeing and development with lasting effects into adulthood. 

In the New Forest there were both statutory and voluntary services working to support those affected by domestic abuse.  In conjunction with the Domestic Abuse partnership, the approach strengthens and coordinates with commissioned services, to ensure that survivors of domestic abuse have access to the best and most appropriate support.  This was whilst also delivering a range of perpetrator programmes aimed at encouraging healthy non abusive relationships.

It was highlighted that an estimated 2.3 million people aged 16 and over experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023 in England and Wales.  Domestic abuse could affect anyone regardless of age, disability, gender identity, gender reassignment, race. religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.  The importance of home being a safe space to live and relax was recognised and that for too many, home was not like this due to domestic abuse. 

The Portfolio Holder reported that no single organisation held the key to take effective action against domestic abuse and that domestic abuse was everyone’s responsibility.  The Strategy proposed to build on the work already undertaken in the district, through effective partnership arrangements, including New Forest Domestic Abuse Forum and the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership,

The Service Manager – Community Safety & Support reported that the Strategy had undergone a public consultation exercise, and whilst it was recognised there had been a low response rate, it was highlighted that 33% of respondents were victims of domestic abuse.  94% of all respondents agreed with the priorities within the strategy.

Several non-Cabinet members expressed their support for the Domestic Abuse Strategy.  It was recognised that domestic abuse was a national problem, often under reported and that there could be difficultly in victims trusting the reporting process. It was recognised that trust needed to be built at a grassroot level.  Non-Cabinet members also highlighted the difficulties in engagement in the strategy and that 18 consultation responses had been received in relation to the draft Strategy. It was highlighted that the report stated there were 7,000 victims of domestic abuse in the New Forest and that the reasons and causes of domestic abuse should be considered and addressed.

The Service Manager – Community Safety and Support responded to the points made, highlighting that the district council was in a good position, with the Domestic Abuse Forum to consider this at a strategic level with representation from both the statutory and voluntary sector.  A priority within the strategy was to raise awareness and this would include the provision of training both for staff and for partners which could lead to earlier intervention.  It was further highlighted that on average victims suffered 34 incidents of domestic abuse before attempting to step away from the perpetrator.  It was therefore necessary to ensure that victims had the right support to services at the right time, whilst recognising the need to tailor this to the individual. 

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate, highlighted that the telephone number to report domestic abuse had previously been on the waste and recycling sacks provided by the district council and questioned with the move to wheeled bins, how this key messaging was being made available.   In response, it was highlighted that communication was a key area and that messaging was carried out in a variety of ways, including targeted SMS messaging in under reported areas, using posters in public conveniences, through council and partner services as well as through the licensed trade with the ‘Ask Angela’ campaign.  The approach to consider new opportunities to encourage victims to access support to services was continually reviewed.

Finally, a non-Cabinet Member raised the issue of training recognising that staff were to receive training on this matter, and it was suggested that members also receive training in order to help them raise awareness, identify domestic abuse and how to report it.