Issue - meetings

Background:

This report updated Members on the progress made in making improvements to domestic abuse services within Medway and on the way forward for this service.

Reducing domestic abuse and minimising its impact on families and children was a priority for Medway’s Community Safety Partnership and Medway Safeguarding Children’s Board. It was reported that tackling domestic abuse was one of the priorities contained within the Community Safety Plan 2012-2013 and that there was a multi-agency commitment to the Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Strategy 2010-2013.

The report gave details of the Community Safety Partnership Sub Group; co-ordination with Kent County Council; domestic homicide reviews; the development of a domestic abuse profile; the role of the Medway Safeguarding Children’s Board; and, details of a recent service of remembrance for victims of domestic abuse at Rochester Cathedral.

In relation to the way forward Members were advised that the action plan, reported to Cabinet on 29 November 2011, was being refreshed by the Sub-Group and would be reported back at a later date. Details were also given to the delivery of multi-agency training and Independent Domestic Violence Advisor provision. It was noted that responsibility for coordinating the Council and its partners’ work around domestic abuse had passed to the Assistant Director for Frontline Services in January 2012.

Reasons:

To ensure that domestic abuse and the consequent issues it raises are given a clear focus within Medway and that the Cabinet can be assured that progress is being made.