Issue - meetings

            The Board received a report from the Strategic Director, Community and Resources, which provided an update in relation to the activities being supported across the Borough in response to domestic abuse and sexual violence. The report provided detailed information on the Halton Vision, the impact and cost of domestic abuse and Halton Domestic Abuse Service.

            Between 6^th February 2016 to 1^st August 2016, Halton Borough Council and Cheshire Police would be operating a joint initiative, Operation Enhance, with the overall aim to enhance the service provided to victims and Frontline Local Policing Unit Officers with support in relation to domestic abuse between intimate partners across the Runcorn Local Police Unit (LPU).

            As part of the Operation, during the weekend and Monday day shift there would be a Police Officer and an independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) on duty between 08.00 to 16.00 hours. Their primary role would be to provide the Frontline LPU Officers and victims with support in relation to domestic violence across the Runcorn LPU, ensuring appropriate and proportionate safeguards were in place for vulnerable victims, children and witnesses. Staff would not be there as the first line of response but as an addition to support the attending Officer, victims, vulnerable people and children.

            Initial enquiries suggested that the operation was working very effectively and was being positively received by victims of domestic abuse. It was noted that 34 victims had been spoken to and 32 had engaged with the service over the past five weekends. A full evaluation of the impact and effectiveness of this new approach would be available at the end of the pilot.

            In addition, Members were advised on the White Ribbon Campaign and the Be a Lover Not a Fighter Campaign.

            On behalf of the Board, the Chairman thanked Officers for their continued hard work and requested a future report on the Corporate White Ribbon Campaign.

            RESOLVED: That the report be noted.