Warwickshire faces up to domestic abuse challenge
A new strategy to deal with the serious issue of domestic abuse in Warwickshire was the main item of discussion recently.
Organisations involved in providing help and guidance to victims of domestic abuse were joined by representatives from the police, health services and local authorities at a special consultation event.
More than 50 delegates attended an event at Garden Organic, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, and made their views heard on issues including how the county can support victims of domestic abuse and ensure their safety; challenge perpetrators and reduce offending; and support children and young people.
The aim of the event, organised by Warwickshire County Council, was to consult on the development of a new domestic abuse strategy for the county, explore the strengths and weaknesses of Warwickshire’s current response to domestic abuse and identify key actions for the next three years.
The event’s key speaker was Dee Edwards, Domestic Violence Strategic Co-ordinator at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, who told the Warwickshire delegates that domestic abuse is one of the major crime and disorder challenges that we face.
“It is much more than a crime. Its social and psychological cost ripples throughout families, workplaces communities and societies,” said Dee Edwards. “The demands on state and society to tackle domestic abuse are vast and diverse and demonstrate the need for multi-agency collaboration.”
She told delegates the challenge for Warwickshire was to create a strategy that reflects the complex effects that domestic abuse has upon families, particularly women and children.
Penny Kay, Domestic Violence Manager at Warwickshire County Council, introduced the event and told delegates: “Domestic abuse is not acceptable. The safety of victims and children are paramount.
"Services need to be responsive to meet the needs of diverse communities and the views of survivors should inform services. Offending needs to be reduced and perpetrators challenged.”
The proposed aims of a new Domestic Abuse Strategy include:
• To prevent and reduce incidents of domestic abuse across Warwickshire.
• To provide a sympathetic and appropriate supportive response to victims and their children from all agencies.
• To work towards tackling repeat incidents by effectively working with perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Recent achievements in Warwickshire include the setting up of a ‘Sanctuary Scheme’ for victims of domestic abuse; the launch of specialist domestic abuse courts around the county; a pilot project offering voluntary perpetrator counselling; an alcohol and domestic abuse project; the launch of a domestic abuse helpline and outreach worker; and the development of a new refuge in Nuneaton and temporary refuge spaces in North Warwickshire.