Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities which gave Members an update in relation to the activities being supported across the Borough on domestic abuse and sexual violence.

 

The Board was advised that domestic violence and abuse could be experienced regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexuality and lifestyle.  It was reported that at least 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men would experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, whilst 750,000 children would witness it per year.  Tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence was vital to building stronger, safer and healthier communities. 

 

The Board was further advised that Halton Domestic Abuse Forum (HDAF) had been established and was a multi agency partnership across statutory and voluntary agencies working to increase the safety of victims and take steps to reduce repeat victimisation common with domestic abuse and sexual violence.  A number of initiatives locally has also been supported and implemented.  The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety was also an important member of the Forum.

 

It was reported that many victims of domestic violence were reluctant to pursue the prosecution of perpetrators as it could put them at risk of further incidents in the future. Victims were also known to be reluctant in court because of their relationship with the perpetrator, particularly where children were involved. In addition, it was reported that many feel vulnerable and intimidated and find the prospect of going to court daunting.

 

In order to address this issue, the SDVC (Specialist Domestic Violence Court) had been established to tackle the problem of low levels of prosecutions for domestic violence cases. Halton SDVC aimed to provide an increased level of support to victims to address the issues of victims withdrawing for the criminal justice system. 

 

It was also reported that on the 14^th April 2011, it had become a statutory duty to conduct Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHR). A Multi-Agency Domestic Homicide Review process for Halton was currently in draft, which would ensure that Halton was able to respond to the need should a Domestic Homicide take place in the Borough.

 

Furthermore, it was reported that during quarter one 42 cases were discussed at the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) involving 31 children.  Increasingly younger victims and perpetrators were coming to the attention of the MARAC, and Connexions were also offering additional support to young people through the Sexual Health Team.

 

During quarter one of this year 218 incidents of domestic abuse had been reported from the Halton area to Cheshire Constabulary.  This represented a reduction of 100 compared to the same period for 2010-11.

 

 

There had also been a significant reduction in the incidents of domestic         sexual offences during this quarter with only one being recorded compared to 10 during the same period on 2010-11.

 

In conclusion, it was reported that In order to work toward nationally recognised guidelines, (to increase referrals to MARAC from agencies other than the Police), DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment and Honour based Violence) training had been offered free of charge to a number of partnership agencies and teams across Halton to raise awareness of the risk assessment tool and encourage increased usage.

 

The following points arose from the discussion:-

 

·        The reduction in the incidents of domestic abuse reported from the Halton area to Cheshire Constabulary compared to the same period for 2010-11 was noted.  It was also noted that the figures only represented a small number of people as there was a considerable number of repeat offenders.  In addition, the importance of magistrates giving increased penalties for repeat offenders was noted;

 

·        It was suggested and agreed that information be obtained from the court on sentences and offences;

 

·        It was noted that nationally a significant number of people were not reporting incidents of domestic violence.  It was also noted that in the current economic climate it was possible that the number of domestic violence incidents could increase;

 

·        It was noted that domestic violence was strongly linked to alcohol abuse.  The Board acknowledged the work that was being taken to address this matter;

 

·        The issue between offenders and the offended remaining in the relationship was noted.  In addition, it was suggested that it would be interesting to identify how many repeat offenders were in the same relationship;

 

·        It was reported that the courts had numerous leaflets for victims and witness.  It was suggested that they could be more pro active and these could be given to people when they arrived at the court, rather than just being on display.

 

RESOLVED: That the report and comments raised be noted.