Multi-agency strategy to tackle domestic abuse
Tackling domestic abuse is top of the agenda of a new
multi-agency strategy launched through the Safer Vale
Partnership.
The strategy has been produced by the Vale of Glamorgan Domestic
Abuse Forum comprising representatives from the Vale Council,
Police, Women's Aid, health services, probation, the courts and a
range of statutory and voluntary bodies that deal with abuse and
its consequences.
The launch was hosted by Vale Mayor Cllr Clive Williams, and
Forum chair Sue Bowyer said: "This is a great day for the Vale of
Glamorgan. It will ensure that all relevant agencies and
organisations in the area are working together for the benefit of
survivors of domestic abuse."
A strategy action plan will help bring agencies together to work
for the good of survivors of domestic abuse and to help bring
perpetrators to justice.
An independent domestic violence adviser, Tammi Owen, has
already been appointed as part of the strategy and will help and
support domestic abuse survivors through the criminal justice
system.
Vale council leader Cllr Margaret Alexander said: "There is
already a lot of excellent work going on in the Vale. This
important strategy will have a significant impact in co-ordinating
the work of a range of organisations who are tackling these
issues.
"All too often, domestic abuse is a hidden scourge affecting all
our communities. We must do all that we can to support survivors
and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
"We will work in partnership to further improve existing
services and to develop a whole range of new services."
Much of the work of the strategy has already begun and
includes:
• a directory of services
• development of a safety unit
• implementation of a specific domestic abuse court
• development of a self referral perpetrators programme.
Between June and August, 402 cases (339 women and 63 men) of
domestic abuse were reported to police in the Vale and referred to
the domestic abuse unit. The area figures were Barry (258), Penarth
(68) and rural Vale (76).
Anyone requiring advice on domestic abuse can call a national
24-hour helpline on 0808 8010 800
For more information on the Vale of Glamorgan strategy, please
contact Safer Vale on (01446) 709503.
Caption: Launching the Vale Domestic Abuse
Strategy are, from left: Vale Domestic Abuse Forum co-ordinator Sue
Baker, independent domestic violence adviser Tammi Owen, Domestic
Abuse Forum chair Sue Bowyer and Vale council leader Cllr Margaret
Alexander.