Issue - meetings

          The Board received a report from the Executive Director, Environment and Regeneration, which provided an update on strategic and service developments in delivering the Council’s duties on domestic abuse. 

          Members were reminded that the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Service transferred to the Council in January 2023 and a report was presented to the Board in February 2023.  The service underwent a restructure and recruitment was underway to increase capacity in the team, including a Case Worker who would work with perpetrators and a Domestic Abuse Advocate Educator, who would work with the 14 GP surgeries in Halton to raise educational awareness about domestic violence.  The additional staff would help support the team and respond to service demands which were exceptionally high; Halton was the second highest in the country with 174 live cases and 90 cases pending. 

          The report also provided an update on the following areas:

·       Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) - a workshop was held in November which focused on a significant piece of Halton research led by Safelives.  This resulted in a high quality report which would help shape a work programme for the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board and improve local services in Halton;  

·       White Ribbon – in October 2023, Council supported a motion to obtain accredited status from White Ribbon.  The Domestic Abuse Partnership Board would govern the White Ribbon Steering Group and work was in progress; and

·       Halton Resolve – this work had been commissioned to support an emotional health and wellbeing service for children, young people and families to reduce the impact of domestic abuse; this was being developed by the Children’s Society.  During July and September 2023, 30 children and young people received a referral. 

The following additional information and comments were noted: 

·       Domestic abuse also affected older people;

·       Members to be given the opportunity to be involved in the White Ribbon Steering Group;

·       Members to be offered the opportunity to attend any future Workforce Development Sessions which were held to raise awareness on domestic abuse; and

·       Men were also victims of domestic violence.  Members were reassured that Halton operated a universal service and the Police also supported targeted approaches for individuals who presented as victims, for example, those in custody. 

          RESOLVED:  That the Board note and comment on the report.