Issue - meetings

A report on Domestic Abuse Strategy is attached. There will be a presentation on this item at the meeting (presentation slides are attached)

Samantha Jones, Inclusive Communities Manager and Lores Savine, Community Safety Officer introduced the item and gave a presentation to the Panel on the following:

·  Domestic Abuse – definition

·  Guiding principles

·  National Statistics

·  Locally

·  Objectives

·  Examples of progress (multi agency working/Disclosure and Early Help)

·  Improving support

·  Next steps

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

In response to a question from Councillor Bull, the Community Safety Officer explained that housing benefit changes will affect provision. Councillor Samuel stated that MP’s should be lobbied about these changes. Councillor Bull stated that the Panel will write to the MP.

Councillor Anketell Jones asked what the provision was for men and boys. The officer explained that male victims would also benefit from the VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls). She also agreed that figures on prosecutions should be added in to the data.

Councillor Samuel asked how access to temporary housing was working. The officer explained that it generally works well but sometimes there is a logjam. Also people can move out of the area into neighbouring authorities. She explained that she did not have the data today but could get it. Some people are put into emergency accommodation.

The Chairman stated that the Panel support the strategy and will take up this issue of funding refuge provision (write to MPs).