To approve the approach to recommissioning of a domestic abuse support service and the outline of a new Domestic Abuse Strategy for Herefordshire.

The commissioned domestic abuse support service provided by West Mercia Women's Aid is due to conclude in March 2019. This report details the intention to commission a redesigned domestic abuse service from April 2019 and provides an outline of the revised domestic abuse strategy for Herefordshire.

A shared strategic vision and set of priorities across agencies is required to tackle the root causes and consequences of domestic abuse, which is a complex, pan-organisational challenge. Within this, specialist services for victims and their children who seek support is vital to minimise harm and maximise positive outcomes, focussed on safety, building resilience and empowerment. A commissioned service is required which prevents the needs of victims and their children from escalating. The service will provide a single point of contact and access to experienced professionals who understand the risks and challenges faced by victims, assisting them to locate the right services and information to meet their needs.

Prevention, early intervention and co-ordination of support is key to prevent the risk and level of need from escalating and ultimately costing more to organisations across the system.

That:

(a)   the proposed outline Joint Strategy for Domestic Abuse at appendix C be approved for the purposes of informing commissioning intentions;

(b)   a domestic abuse support service be commissioned for a period of up to five years from 1 April 2019 at a maximum value of £1.3m;  and 

(c)   the Director for Adults and Communities be authorised finalise the service specification and award contracts for domestic abuse support services within the agreed budget.

1.               The option not to re-commission a domestic abuse support service for Herefordshire. This option is not recommended. Victims of domestic abuse and their children require urgent specialist assistance once they seek support to reduce risk, assist them to navigate a complex system and reduce the chance of returning to the perpetrator.

2.               The option not to develop an updated 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 victims receive a coherent service from the point of disclosure.

3.               The option to delay re-commissioning whilst a Domestic Abuse Strategy is finalised. This is not recommended. There is no option to extend the current contract with West Mercia Women’s Aid. An open tender process is required in order to comply with procurement regulations.  Additionally, the domestic abuse support service specification is a ‘core’ offer and has limited flexibility; therefore no significant changes will be required as a result of the development of a local strategy.