Issue - meetings

Background:

This report requested Cabinet approval of the multi-agency Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Strategy 2024 – 2029, which would replace the existing Strategy. The Strategy identified joint commitments for those impacted by domestic abuse, and was inclusive of those who were abused, those who perpetrated through abuse, and children who witnessed abuse, using the voice of people who had experienced abuse to identify areas of priority.

The report set out that an action plan would be formed in line with the Strategy. This would include actions for partners across Kent and Medway, including Medway Council. Governance of the action and delivery plan would be overseen by the partnership group Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse and Sexual Abuse Executive Group (DASAEG).

The draft Strategy was set out at Appendix 1 to the report. A Diversity Impact Assessment in relation to the Strategy was attached at Appendix 2.

Reasons:

There is a statutory duty for the local authority to have a domestic abuse strategy in place and published. On average, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse. In 2022 Medway had higher recorded rates of domestic abuse when compared to the national average. Without a strategic response to domestic abuse and allowing for collaborative work and commissioning across the system there would be an increased risk of serious harm or homicide in cases of domestic abuse. A partnership strategy allows for accountability from individual agencies and coordinated multi-agency work. To ensure a cohesive approach across geographical Kent the strategy has been coauthored, consulted and approved with Medway and Kent partner organisations.