Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That the draft Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-2028 be approved for formal consultation.

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 presented the Domestic Abuse Strategy.  This recognised the high prevalence of domestic abuse and acknowledged that it was a matter often underreported and it had a devastating impact on individuals, families and the community.  The Strategy had been aligned to the priorities in the Corporate Plan to help those in greatest need.  Staff would be trained to help them identify domestic abuse as well enhance their response to any reports.  Some council departments would have domestic abuse champions embedded within the services.  It was anticipated this would help residents to live healthy lives in the community and to feel safe and supported.

The Service Manager – Community Safety & Support highlighted that the strategy identified four strategic priorities. Officers would be trained and there would be procedures and protocols in place to ensure that support could be provided to victims and appropriate action taken.

Non-Cabinet members welcomed the strategy and following points were made:

·       Concern was raised about the ability of teams and different organisations involved to ensure that the support was available at the point it was identified for those who needed it;

·       Early intervention and prevention was essential.  More could be done to tackle the underlying issue;

·       Domestic abuse was a complex issue.  Misogynistic behaviours and attitudes could be developed, particularly with young people with information being readily available online which needed to be addressed

The Service Manager – Community Safety and Support responded to the above points.  It was confirmed that there were wrap around services to ensure that victims were protected and supported.  It was acknowledged that there were various strands towards the prevention and early intervention of domestic abuse.  Education was one area, and it was being provided through educational services in schools.  This included working with the charity Yellow Door, which had delivered sessions in schools around healthy relationships and this work would continue for years to come.

Finally, in response to a non-Cabinet Member regarding the monitoring of the Strategy it was confirmed an Action Plan had been included as an Appendix, detailing the work which had been identified to deliver the key priorities.  This would be monitored and updated and a report would be presented to the relevant panel to consider the progress of the strategy.