To approve the multi-agency Domestic Abuse Strategy for Herefordshire 2019-2022 and governance arrangements for implementation of the strategy.

Domestic abuse is a complex and pervasive issue which cannot be addressed fully by any single organisation. The overall purpose of the strategy is to provide direction to partner organisations on how they can work collaboratively to prevent, identify and respond to domestic abuse.

The strategy builds upon learning from the former 2014-2017 strategy adopted in 2014. It includes a shared vision, priorities and outcomes developed collaboratively with partner organisations and service users, updated national and local context and clarified governance arrangements to ensure delivery of the strategy.

The vision of the strategy is that domestic abuse is unacceptable to people and communities in Herefordshire.

There are four priorities under the shared vision:

·         Priority 1 – Prevention: The aim is that individuals and communities understand domestic abuse and the harm it causes and have the skills to build, and a culture that supports, healthy relationships.

·         Priority 2 – Provision of service: The aim is that when domestic abuse is disclosed, identified or reported, those affected by domestic abuse can access timely and effective information, advice and support.

·         Priority 3 – Partnership working: The aim is to work together across organisations in an efficient and effective way to prevent, and protect those experiencing, domestic abuse, ensuring that organisational barriers do not have impact on those affected by domestic abuse.

·         Priority 4 – Pursuing perpetrators: The aim is that the tools available are used effectively and consistently and those experiencing domestic abuse see the police and criminal and civil legal systems as working to protect them and their children.

The Community Safety Partnership (CSP) will be responsible for strategic delivery and leadership of the strategy. The CSP will task the multi-agency Domestic Abuse Delivery Group (DADG) to develop and deliver annual action plans to implement the strategy. The action plans will need to take account of plans, opportunities and resources available within each partner organisation. Successful delivery of the action plans, and subsequently the strategy, will depend on the continued commitment and engagement from partner organisations.

That:

(a)  the Multi-agency Domestic Abuse Strategy for Herefordshire 2019-2022 at appendix 1 be approved;

(b)  the response at paragraph 36 of the report to a recommendation made by the Adults and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee is agreed.

1.            Not to adopt a Domestic Abuse Strategy for Herefordshire. This option is not recommended. Domestic abuse is a challenge which cuts across many organisations, sectors and professional roles. A shared strategic approach which provides clear priorities, roles, responsibilities and pathways is therefore crucial to ensure domestic abuse can be prevented and identified, and that those affected and their children receive safe and timely interventions at the earliest opportunity.