PAPER B Isle of Wight Strategic Domestic Abuse Forum Annual Report 2012 /13 Artwork by Carisbrooke College students B - 1
CONTENTS Chair Person s Introduction to the Annual Report (Foreword) 1 Statement by Isle of Wight Council Lead Member for Domestic Abuse 3 1. Isle of Wight Strategic Domestic Abuse Forum 4 2. Core Agency Contributions to Domestic Abuse 8 3. Progress report on the 2012/13 Action Plan 13 4. Awareness Raising Campaigns 15 5. Priorities for 2013/2014 18 References 19 Appendix 1 Isle of Wight Domestic Abuse Forum Terms of Reference 20 Appendix 2 Core Agency Contributions Full Response 24 B - 2
Foreword: Chair Person s Introduction to the Annual Report This is the second annual report that has been produced on behalf of the Isle of Wight Domestic Abuse Forum and it reflects the continuing development of multi-agency work on the Island designed to: Reduce the incidence of domestic violence, Ensure that victims of domestic violence are protected and helped to rebuild their lives and Ensure that those who perpetrate domestic violence are both held to account for their actions and helped to reduce the risk that they represent for the future. The phrases domestic abuse and domestic violence are often used interchangeably, but to suggest that physical violence is the only form of abuse experienced in relationships would be to ignore the huge volume of emotional and sexual abuse that is perpetrated. We can only guess at the level of domestic abuse on the Isle of Wight as here, as elsewhere in the UK, there are many more incidents than are reported and research has shown that women will, on average, be the subject of physical violence 35 times before they report it. Our colleagues in Children s Social Care recognise that domestic violence will have been a feature in around 70% of the families they work with. The consequences of domestic abuse cost the Island economy millions of pounds each year with almost all of this dealing with the consequences of abuse rather than preventing it: The Police investigate reports of abuse and the courts and probation service deal with the perpetrators. The NHS patches up victims in Accident & Emergency and tries to manage the mental health consequences of domestic abuse both in GP surgeries and specialist mental health services. Housing providers do what they can to help provide victims of abuse with a safe environment and a chance to rebuild their lives. Schools have to deal with children and young people who cannot cope with attendance and study because of what they are experiencing in their families and, increasingly among teenagers, within their own relationships. Children s Social Care tries to keep children safe and looks after them when the parents are unable to make the break to put their children first. Finally, on top of all this, we can only guess how many working days are lost to Island employers by the victims of domestic abuse who cannot face the prospect of going into work. Modelling undertaken nearly four years ago suggested that domestic abuse probably cost the Island economy around 30 million a year. If that work were to be updated now, the figure would almost certainly be significantly more. In the face of all this, it is disappointing that so little resource is committed to the key elements of raising awareness, protecting victims and helping them take control of their lives and to be able to protect both themselves and their dependents. In the three years B - 3
that I have been associated with the Island Domestic Abuse Forum, the constant theme has been one of insufficient and, too often, time limited funding. Apart from the funding of the core provision of the Refuge and the Co-ordinator role by Isle of Wight Council, most of the remaining funding is from either time-limited programmes funded by national government or charities or one-off contributions, usually from Isle of Wight Council or the Police. Charities providing services on the Island too often have to give their staff short term contracts and issue them with termination notices because ongoing funding is not secured until late in the day. Despite these challenges there is much excellent work undertaken on the Island and I would draw particular attention to the work of the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) which, under the Chairmanship of DI Liz Williams, has performed an invaluable role in assessing those individuals most at risk (or the most cause of risk) and ensuring that effective plans are put in place to keep them safe. Similarly, the Women s Refuge also does an excellent job, not just in providing a secure place for victims to stay, but supporting them as they begin to re-construct their lives. For 2013-14 we are delighted that the Police & Crime Commissioner has been able to provide investment in both the Adapt programme that works with perpetrators and for additional Independent Sexual Violence Advisor capacity to support victims of sexual abuse and we hope that in seeing the benefit of this investment he will be able to maintain it going into 2014-15 and that other partners, despite the severe financial restraints that they face, will also be able to continue their support for this invaluable work or even extend it. Ian Anderson Chair of the Isle of Wight Strategic Domestic Abuse Forum B - 4
Statement by IW Council Lead Members for Domestic Abuse As the Lead Members for Domestic Abuse we are delighted to introduce the Strategic Domestic Abuse Forum Annual Report for 2012/13. The Strategic Forum is made up of representatives from key partner agencies who work together to ensure a coherent response to domestic abuse and gender based violence on the Island. Whilst it is encouraging to note that police crime figures show reported incidents of domestic abuse have fallen year on year on the Island since 2010, we know that domestic abuse remains an under-reported crime which continues to blight the lives of too many people in our community. This is evidenced by the Women s Refuge s estimate that they turned away 2 women a week during 2012. This figure shows the scale of the problem and the challenges that we continue to face as a partnership going forward. At the end of this reporting period the government revised the definition of domestic abuse to include young people aged 16 and over in recognition of the fact that it is this age group who are now at the highest risk of domestic abuse, rape and stalking. It is therefore encouraging to see that the focus on early intervention was a key priority for the forum over the last year, with awareness raising events at the Bestival and the creation of the pop up gallery in collaboration with the Island s secondary schools in Newport in November. Awareness raising events such as this help young people to think differently about relationships and help to keep domestic abuse on the agenda locally. Going forward, we must recognise that this is a challenging period for all working in the field of domestic abuse; financial pressures, changes to legal aid and housing benefit make accessing safety increasingly difficult for victims. It will therefore require concerted efforts and continued commitment from all partners to ensure that Island residents are able to live their lives free from the fear of violence and abuse. Councillor Phil Jordan Councillor Julia Baker-Smith B - 5
Isle of Wight Strategic Domestic Abuse Forum Introduction Domestic violence or abuse is defined by the government as: Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse: psychological physical sexual financial emotional Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour. Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. 1 Who is at risk? 2 The 2011/12 Crime Survey for England and Wales 3 estimated that around one in four women and one in seven men aged 16-59 have suffered abuse at the hands of an intimate partner since the age of 16. However, in the same period, intimate partner violence was only reported by 3.6% of men and 5.4% of women, equating to almost 600,000 men and 900,000 women. In the 2010/11 survey, a quarter (27%) of victims reported having sustained a physical injury in their most recent episode of abuse. 39% reported mental or emotional problems. A fifth of victims had told no-one about the abuse while a third had told someone in an official position, mostly Police, followed by health professionals. Some victims of domestic violence and abuse suffer abuse repeatedly over a long period of time. A third of those who have experienced abuse since the age of 16 report this to have lasted for more than one year. One in three past year victims report having suffered more than one incident of abuse. Around 6% of female and 3% of male victims report being abused more than 20 times. 1 This definition includes so called honour based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group. 2 Protecting people Promoting health A public health approach to violence prevention for England 3 Office for National Statistics. Crime in England and Wales, quarterly first release to March 2012. London: Office for National Statistics, 2012. B - 6
Among victims of both genders, the most common forms of intimate partner abuse are nonphysical, including emotional and financial abuse. However, females are more likely to suffer sexual assault and threats of violence than males. They are also more likely to experience longer periods of abuse, repeat victimisation, physical injury and emotional harm, and to report their abuse to Police or health professionals. Core to the work of the Strategic Forum is the government guidance Call to End Violence Against Women and Girls (2010). Local picture Measuring domestic violence and abuse is difficult due to the complex nature of the issue. The Government s Ready Reckoner tool estimates that based on regional data from the British Crime Survey (2010) and Census data, it is estimated that the following number of women and girls will have been victims of abuse and violence on the Island. This takes into account the understanding that the vast majority of domestic violence and abuse is not reported to the Police and may present to other services. 4,609 women and girls aged 16-59 have been victims of domestic abuse in the past year 2,340 women and girls aged 16-59 have been victims of a sexual assault in the past year 5,715 women and girls aged 16-59 have been victims of stalking in the past year Police reports of domestic violence for the Isle of Wight 4 (these will represent only the most serious cases) Year (01/04 to 28/02) 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 Numbers reported 550 459 391 It should be noted that a drop in reported crimes to the police, does not necessarily mean a drop in the actual incidences of domestic abuse. Women s Refuge Figures The Women s Refuge provides emergency accommodation for women and children at immediate risk of harm through domestic abuse. The Refuge housed 19 women and 28 children during 2012. The Refuge s Outreach Service supports victims living in their own homes or temporary accommodation in the community and worked with 388 women and 489 children in 2012/13. 4 Source: isle of Wight Strategic Summary (Police) Author: Research & Analysis, Eastern Area Dated: March 2013 Version: 2 B - 7
Structure of the Isle of Wight Strategic Domestic Abuse Forum Health and Wellbeing Board Pan Hants Domestic Abuse Management Group Strategic Domestic Abuse Forum Safeguarding Adults Board LSCB Operational Domestic Abuse Forum SDAC Steering and Operational Group Serious Sexual Offences group MARAC Steering Group Strategic Forum function The Multi Agency Island Domestic Abuse Strategic Forum meets bi-monthly, chaired by the Director for Community Wellbeing and Social Care. Membership consists of senior staff from partnership agencies with a strategic role in relation to domestic abuse (see Appendix 1 for Terms of Reference and membership). This forum provides strategic leadership to the issues of domestic abuse through engagement of key agencies; oversight of successful provision of services to support people seeking help; to ensure perpetrators are held to account and provide leadership to a reduction in incidences and consequences of domestic abuse. The Strategic Forum links into the Community Safety Partnership, Local Safeguarding Children s Board and Local Safeguarding Adults Board, providing reports as appropriate. Operational Group Function The Operational Group is a multi-agency meeting that is held every two months alternate to the Strategic Board and is chaired by the Domestic Abuse Coordinator. The primary aim of the Operational Group is to ensure the delivery of the Action Plan and provide operational management of this. Client feedback It was Homestart that helped me realise that my relationship wasn t right. They were brilliant and made a referral for me to Freedom. B - 8
1. Core agency contributions to domestic abuse prevention/reduction (see Appendix 2 for full responses) See Appendix 2 B - 9
Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) Independent Domestic Violence Advisors are specialist case workers who work with high risk victims of domestic abuse - those who are at risk of significant harm or murder - and are a key part of the Murder Prevention Strategy. The IDVA is a key component of the MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) and SDAC (Specialist Domestic Abuse Court) processes and their involvement has been shown to decrease victimisation, increase notification of children at risk and reduce the number of victims unwilling to support a prosecution. Victims are more likely to participate in the criminal justice system if they are assisted by IDVAs. The IDVA service is independent of statutory services and run by the Island Women s Refuge. National guidance from CAADA (Coordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse) recommends that the Isle of Wight has 2.5 IDVAs for the number of cases heard at our MARAC. The Island currently has 1.0 FTE post. Every month, the cases of approximately 20 25 victims determined to be at the highest risk are considered at the MARAC. The MARAC is chaired by the police and attended by a range of agencies relevant to the case (children s social care, health, housing, etc.). The aim of the meeting is to share information to enable a safety plan to be compiled for the victim and any children, and to consider the risk to staff from any agency that may have contact with the family. The IDVA works with both male and female victims at high risk of harm. Last year 225 cases deemed to be at high risk of murder were taken to MARAC, including 249 children. The service has been working at capacity. Client feedback I had called the police because I was frightened and things were getting out of hand. They told us it was tit for tat and we were to stop wasting their time. I have never called them again; what s the point? Client feedback The officer from the Police Public Protection Department was absolutely brilliant. He made sure I had alarms and things, he put me in touch with outreach from the refuge and was generally reassuring and clear about what would happen next. The IDVAs also support victims through the criminal justice system. The SDAC is a court convened specially to hear domestic abuse cases, in which the aim is that all staff, from magistrates to the ushers, will have received training on domestic abuse. Special measures for victims can be provided if required. Our SDAC success rate (the proportion of cases prosecuted which result in a conviction or guilty plea) is almost 84%, well above the national target of 72%, although it must be remembered the actual number of cases coming to prosecution is low (129 in 2012). B - 10
Proportion of DA cases resulting in guilty plea & conviction 2009 2010 2011 2012 70% 75% 76% 84% Cost and benefits The cost of domestic and sexual violence modelled for the Isle of Wight population ( millions) based on 2008 figures These figures show the estimated cost of domestic and sexual violence in an area of this size. The figures do not include additional costs from stalking, genital mutilation, honour -based violence and forced marriage. Total costs (not including human & emotional costs) Physical & mental health care costs Criminal justice costs Social Services costs Other costs (including housing, civil, legal & employment costs) Human & emotional costs 13.2m 2.8m 1.8m 0.4m 8.2m 42.0m The costs for local areas are derived from the national estimates of cost published by Järvinen et al (2008) and given by the proportion of the national population resident in the area. The HM Treasury GDP deflator multiplier of 1.136 has been used to bring the costs up to 2008/09 levels. More details on the services included in each category can be found in Walby (2004). Nationally, it is estimated that a domestic abuse case in the high risk category costs the public sector an average 20k per person per annum, if there is no specialist domestic abuse intervention (such as MARAC or IDVA). The most recent data on the costs and benefits of early intervention in domestic abuse cases are provided by CAADA (Co-ordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse). They estimate that the MARAC process saves public services, on average, 6,000 per case in direct costs and that the NHS receives 20% of this cost saving, with the police and the wider criminal justice system receiving 32% and 40% respectively. Without a MARAC process, the most complex cases can cost 43,000 per annum, and even the lowest risk cases that go to MARACs cost public services 4,000 per annum. 5 For every 1 spent on MARACs, at least 6 of public money can be saved annually on direct costs to agencies such as the police and health services. MARACs are saving money now and will go on to save more in future if properly resourced. 6 5 Commissioning services for women and children who experience violence or abuse a guide for health commissioners (Feb 2011). 6 Saving lives, Saving money: MARACs and high risk domestic abuse. CAADA B - 11
Potential Cost Savings from MARACs 7 Funding Our providers of specialist domestic abuse services are charities, dependant in the main on grant funding, and we are fortunate as a community that we have access to excellent, high quality services delivered by highly trained staff. The Island Women s Refuge is our main specialist provider with additional services provided by the Hampton Trust and Victim Support. The Refuge provides the IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) for high risk victims, the actual refuge provision, and play therapy for children resident in the refuge, the Freedom educational programme and the outreach service for victims and survivors living in their own homes. The Hampton Trust provide the ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) for adults over 18 years, the LINX group work programme for 12-18 year olds and the ADAPT perpetrator programme. The majority of the Refuge Service and Hampton Trust funding is from charitable grants, with some Home Office funding and some from the Isle of Wight Council and Health. 7 Saving lives, Saving money: MARACs and high risk domestic abuse. CAADA B - 12
Partnership funding of our specialist domestic abuse services has always been found predominantly from underspends and short term grants. Short term, unstable funding makes it incredibly difficult for charities to provide sustainable services to vulnerable victims. The forum is working towards a partnership agreement for a pooled budget for the future. This is absolutely essential if we are to make real progress in tackling domestic abuse on the Island and is an agreed priority. Client feedback When I met the social worker I didn t know why she was saying there were problems in my family. She spoke about domestic abuse and it didn t make sense I had never been hit. She explained that domestic abuse is not just physical and she helped me realise that my children were suffering because of what they were seeing and hearing. She was really helpful and supportive. She told me I should do the Freedom Programme and from that I was offered one to one support. I feel so much better now, my children are happier. I can t tell you how pleased I am social services got involved. B - 13
2. Progress against the 2012/2013 Action Plan The Action Plan is based on the aims and objectives of the Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence Strategy for the Island, which covers the period 2012-2015 and which in turn is informed by the Government s White Paper Call to End Violence Against Women and Girls (2010). Despite reductions in funding and constraints on all services the majority of our objectives for 2012-2013 were fully or partially met. Prevention and early intervention work achieved in 2012/13: Performances of the Teenage Relationship Abuse play and workshop for schools to raise awareness that the group at highest risk of domestic abuse, rape and harassment are young girls aged 16 18 (British Crime Survey, 2011). Pop-up gallery displaying art work by school pupils and survivors of domestic abuse to raise awareness with the general public and corresponding newspaper and radio coverage of the issue. Provision of Freedom education/support groups across the Island supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Delivery of free multi agency training across the partnership, including CAADA/DASH risk assessment training on how to identify those most at risk of serious harm. Stall at Bestival to raise awareness of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls. Approximately 2,000 domestic abuse contact cards listing sources of support and advice distributed across the Island. Provision of services in 2012/13: Specialist support services Independent Domestic Violence Advocate and Independent Sexual Abuse Advocate (IDVA and ISVA) and outreach support maintained for identified victims of domestic and sexual abuse on the Island. Refuge accommodation has been maintained on the Island for victims fleeing domestic abuse and requiring safe accommodation. Community based services for children have been provided via our partners in the voluntary sector Hampton Trust (LINX and Eco-Therapy) and the Women s Refuge (Play Therapy and parental support). The service user led POWER group was maintained for victims of domestic abuse with complex substance misuse/alcohol issues. B - 14
Protection and Justice 2012/13: 225 high risk cases have been managed via the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) and had safety plans put in place during 2012. 129 cases of domestic abuse were heard at the Specialist Domestic Abuse Court with 84% cases resulting in a guilty plea and conviction (well above the CPS national target of 72%). The Island commenced its first Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) of a domestic murder. The review will be completed in 2013 and recommendations brought to the forum. Client feedback I wasn t treated like a human being. I was blamed for the damage I was doing to my child, blamed for not protecting her. How could I? I couldn t protect myself. I was frightened. They just seemed to feel sorry for him. Why can t they see what he is like? I feel I can t do anything right. It makes me feel like giving up. B - 15
3. Awareness raising campaigns Teenage relationship abuse campaign 2012 Whilst domestic abuse is often seen as an adult problem, data from the British Crime Survey has shown that teenage girls between 16 18 years old are most at risk of domestic abuse, rape, sexual assault and stalking. In response to this, for the second year, the Strategic Domestic Abuse Forum and Hampshire Constabulary funded a play by RedTie for use in secondary schools, alongside a workshop addressing the issues facilitated by staff from the Island Women s Refuge. This year the project included this introduction of art workshops which produced material for the 16 Days of Action Campaign in November. Feedback from Carisbrooke School was extremely positive. A survey of the 220 students who saw the play and participated in the domestic abuse workshop showed that 94% agreed or strongly agreed that it is important to raise awareness of domestic abuse. Client feedback The school was brilliant as soon as I told them what was going on. They could not have been better and they made sure I got all the help I needed. Carisbrooke College s head of personal, social and health education, Gill Bushell, said the experience had been a real eye-opener for many of them. "Some didn t really know much about emotional abuse, and that telling someone what to wear or who they could speak to was unacceptable, controlling behaviour. I think they really learnt a lot and were able to express that through their artwork," she said. "One of the most interesting things we discussed was this lack of self-esteem, among boys and girls, who feel they are under enormous pressure to dress and behave in a certain way, and to live up to images they are bombarded with by the media. Schools have such an important role to play in addressing these kinds of issues." Performing in Red Tie s Body and Soul are, back, Helen Reading and Dan Whitehead Front: Hebe Gregory & Marie Hickman Picture by Peter Boam B - 16
Bestival The forum had a stall at Bestival this year to raise awareness of the White Ribbon Campaign and the issues relating to gender based violence. The stall invited people to help create a huge hand print banner - pledging their support for the cause with their hand prints. The stall proved very popular with people of all ages wanting to hand print and, more importantly, many got involved in discussions around sexual violence and domestic abuse. The rationale for attending Bestival was to try to reach our target age group of young people who are most at risk of domestic abuse, rape and harassment. Young women made us aware of a high level of sexual assault in their lives generally. This was not always seen by them as assault, more often women described it as groping and did not consider this to be criminal or of particular concern, but rather as to be expected. We were able to challenge these perceptions which led to some very interesting discussions with young people about gender based violence. The team worked closely with Bestival organisers to feed back any concerns and we have been invited back next year with a larger space to continue this work. 16 Days of Action 2012 For our main awareness raising event this year, we aligned ourselves with the 16 Days of Action international campaign to end violence against women and girls. A pop up gallery was created to showcase an exhibition of artwork and poetry by survivors of abuse, alongside art from pupils at Carisbrooke and Sandown secondary schools, who focused on the issue as part of their PSHE work this autumn. The shop also highlighted the support available locally, with displays from agencies working with victims and their families (e.g. Street Pastors, Hampton Trust and Victim Support) as well as from the Amnesty International IW Group who campaign globally for Women s Human Rights. In conjunction with the shop based activities, a self defence workshop for women was held on 9 th December 2012, organised by Victim Support. B - 17
It was estimated that approx. 100 people came into the gallery during the 10 days it was open, including people looking for access to support for themselves or family / friends. The venture generated a lot of interest and the publicity was excellent, with four radio interviews (two with Radio Solent, one with IW Radio and one with Dave) and two articles in the County Press, including an in depth article in the week before Christmas. B - 18
4. Domestic abuse priorities for 2012/13 Service users fed back to us that there was more we could do as a partnership to support victims of domestic abuse. In particular, they wanted us to know that: We want to be listened to and believed; not blamed and judged. Services for victims of domestic abuse need to be much more widely advertised. Unless there is physical violence, we don t always know that we are suffering domestic abuse. For 2013 /14 we will: Ensure information on domestic abuse, rape and the services that can help are widely available to the general public and to professionals. Agree sustainable funding for specialist services via the development of a pooled budget. Maintain, and where possible improve, the current levels of informed and knowledgeable support for survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse. Develop effective responses to rape and sexual assault on the Island via continued work with the Serious Sexual Offences Group. Develop early intervention as part of universal service provision via front line health practitioners (e.g. via IRIS). Continue our focus on educating and supporting children and young people. B - 19
Case history: Lucy Lucy, 9, was referred to the Children's Support Project by her mother due to her exhibiting extreme levels of aggression, emotional difficulties and controlling behaviour. Lucy's mother and younger siblings were often the target of her aggressive outbursts, which varied in severity. Lucy's mother has been left visibly marked and her siblings have needed hospital treatment as a result of Lucy's actions. Lucy's father was physically and emotionally abusive towards her mother, as was her stepfather; the severity of which resulted in him receiving a custodial sentence. Lucy has lived a life centred around others exerting their power and control. She began mimicking this learned behaviour and became the perpetrator of abuse herself. The project has been working with Lucy for a period of 8 months now. Much of the early days were spent building a trusting relationship. This enabled Lucy to approach memories of the trauma at a depth that felt safe for her. Lucy has been able to portray how hurt and frightened she was when her stepfather was around: she depicted specific incidents such as him hiding in the attic, having a knife behind the TV and being taken on drug runs. She has also portrayed the enormity of her anger and how she felt she had to hold onto negative feelings, as she wasn't able to ask for help in managing them. As a result Lucy had become isolated from her peers and had difficulties sustaining relationships. We have used a variety of techniques tailored to Lucy's need, including play therapy, cognitive therapy techniques, safe ways to let out anger and protective behaviour work, as well as looking at unhealthy relationships and identifying those that constitute respect and equality. Although there is still some way to go, Lucy has made significant progress. She presents as a more confident child, there is less conflict within the family home and Lucy is making efforts to improve relations with those around her. She is starting to realise the impact of her behaviour on others and is beginning to show signs of empathy. She no longer feels the need to explore past issues of fear relating to the abuse and is taking steps towards believing in herself and her ability to make changes and shape her own life. Lucy herself states that her anger is now a 5/10, compared to the 10/10 rating she gave before our work began. Lucy's mother has stated Lucy can now be "the most, loving, caring little girl". Recently, in recognition of her own progress, Lucy requested she receive fortnightly support rather than weekly and feels she wants to explore the behaviours that still cause concern in a more direct way. B - 20
References Isle of Wight Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence Strategy (2012 15) for a copy email: fleur.gardiner@iow.gov.uk Call to End Violence against Women and Girls (H.O Nov 2010): http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/crime/call-end-violence-women-girls/vawgpaper?view=binary Saving Lives Saving Money: MARACs and high risk domestic abuse (CAADA 2010): http://www.caada.org.uk/policy/saving_lives_saving_money_final_version.pdf British Crime Survey: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/researchstatistics/crime/crime-statistics/british-crime-survey/ B - 21
Appendix 1 ISLE OF WIGHT DOMESTIC ABUSE FORUM VISION TERMS OF REFERENCE (Revised September 2013) Our vision is for an Island that is a safe place for all residents to live; where acts of domestic abuse and gender based violence are not tolerated and where victims are supported and perpetrators held to account for their actions. AIMS To reduce the incidence of domestic abuse and gender based violence on the Island. To achieve a policy of co-operation and co-ordination of services between agencies. To ensure that each agency plays an integral role in providing a response that is strategic in the prevention of domestic abuse and gender based violence. To identify gaps in service provision and make recommendations for the development of future services on the Island. To achieve successful sustainable provision of services that is meaningful to the individual seeking help. To identify mechanisms and subsequent support systems for perpetrators which hold them accountable for their behaviour. To raise awareness and understanding of domestic abuse and gender based violence amongst the general public CORE PRINCIPLES The views and experiences of service users and carers will be actively sought and used to inform service planning and delivery. An annual report will be produced in relation to activities on the Island. Implementation of the Domestic Abuse and Gender Based Violence Strategy will take into account the full continuum of services, regardless of differences in the way services B - 22
are commissioned or provided. Safeguarding is a fundamental principle. OBJECTIVES To have a common understanding and definition of domestic abuse. To define the role and responsibilities of the individual agency in the multi agency process. To promote and maintain co-operation and joint action to increase awareness of domestic abuse. To develop practices and procedures that are relevant to coordinated service provision. To ensure training is available to develop a consistent response and approach. To identify and promote the creation of new services and preventative measures. To participate in the development of the domestic abuse action plan from year to year. Through a performance framework ensure that monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are implemented. To agree priorities and make recommendations. To ensure that priorities are based on clearly identified need, for example Joint Area Strategic Need Assessment. To ensure that service users and carers are consulted and involved in service planning and delivery. To ensure that development of domestic abuse services takes account of research and best practice and is responsive to national as well as local objectives and priorities. To seek opportunities to increase resources through influencing policy, commissioning and planning mechanisms including applying for national and international grants. Review spend against domestic abuse services. Maintain and evaluate outcomes on any projects funded by the Forum. B - 23
FORMAT AND GOVERNANCE The Isle of Wight Domestic Abuse Forum will meet on a bi- monthly basis in the first instance and will report to the Safer Communities Partnership, Health and Wellbeing Board and the relevant Scrutiny Committee. Specific pieces of domestic abuse work requested by the Forum will be undertaken by the operational group or time limited task and finish time groups. ORGANISATIONAL MEMBERSHIP OF STRATEGIC GROUP NHS Trust Clinical Commissioning Group Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults representatives Director of Adults Services Director of Children s Services Education Representative Voluntary Sector Housing Community Safety Police - PPD Elected Member Crown Prosecution Service MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS Agreement with terms of reference of the Strategic Domestic Abuse Forum as outlined. Agreement with the Terms and Conditions of membership as outlined. ATTENDANCE ON THE FORUM Members of the Strategic Forum are required to attend the full Forum meetings once every two months. Members are required to forward their apologies or appoint a substitute representative to attend on their behalf when they are unable to attend Forum Meetings. On three consecutive non attendances membership of the Forum will be terminated and the organisation will have to apply for a new member. A letter will be sent informing the organisation of this. B - 24
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ORGANISATION REPRESENTATIVE The representative has a duty to ensure that: Information on domestic abuse is distributed to all relevant staff in their organisation. Domestic abuse posters and information are displayed in public areas belonging to their organisation. Domestic abuse information is included on their organisation website. Their organisation has in place a specific personnel policy on domestic abuse for staff experiencing or perpetrating domestic abuse. There is a specific individual within the agency with lead responsibility for domestic violence. The organisation has in place mechanisms to monitor their agency s response to domestic abuse. Their organisation shares relevant data with the Forum. Reporting back to senior management in their organisation to ensure they are kept up to date with the work of the forum. It is also the responsibility of the representative to inform their own senior management of any implication resulting from decisions made around interagency workings. The representative is expected to seek approval and agreement from the relevant officers in their organisation to progress any developments in multi agency working undertaken by the Forum. Agreements made by the representative at Forum meetings and any resulting sub group meetings will be taken as agreements from the organisation as a whole. B - 25
Appendix 2 Core agency contributions full responses Hampshire Probation Trust 1. What were your agency s priorities for domestic abuse work for the year April 2012 to March 2013? Hampshire Probation Trust have continued to prioritise the management of risk of harm and reoffending posed by domestic abuse perpetrators. This area of work remains a significant responsibility of the Trust within its core aims of public protection and offender rehabilitation. The Trust will also continue to work with the victims of domestic abuse perpetrators, who as a result of their conviction and suitability assessment, have been ordered by the Court to complete either the Integrated Domestic Abuse or Building Better Relationships Programme. What progress was made and with what outcomes for victims / survivors and their families? Police National Computer data on all of the (8) offenders who completed IDAP between 1/4/11 and 31/3/12 shows that: 63% of offenders have not been arrested, charged or convicted of any domestic abuse related crime (as at August 2013); 63% of offenders have not come to Police attention for any domestic abuse related call outs. These results are statistically significant as most general community based intervention normally has an effectiveness of reducing reoffending by between 25% and 35%. 2. Was there any other significant domestic abuse work undertaken by your agency in the year and what have been the outcomes for victims / survivors and their families? Between 1/4/12 and 31/3/14, approximately 230 domestic abuse perpetrators living in Hampshire received structured one to one domestic abuse intervention from their Probation Officers. With regard to the Isle of Wight, during the same period, 20 domestic abuse offenders completed one to one intervention. Regrettably, no data is yet available for this year (1/4/13-31/3/14). B - 26
3. As a result of the above achievements and in accordance with government guidance, what domestic abuse and gender based violence work will your agency be prioritising this year (April 13- March 14) and with which expected outcomes for victims / survivors and their families? This year, the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) require Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Probation teams to have 135 offenders successfully complete either the accredited IDAP or Building Better Relationships Programme. A further 111 offenders must complete one to one domestic abuse structured work, at least 11 are managed by the Isle of Wight Probation Team. Victim Support / Witness Service 1. What were your agency s priorities for domestic abuse work for the year April 2012 to March 2013? Working with CAADA we have designed and implemented new training with DA volunteers which incorporates safety planning, risk management, motivational interviewing and also elements of supporting higher risk DA clients. Witness Service- all volunteers have now received specific training in relation to DA. What progress was made and with what outcomes for victims / survivors and their families? Training was rolled out to all DA volunteers and has been completed. Volunteers now all working to CAADA approved standards. Outcomes are enhanced level of support for clients and a more robust approach to safety planning and risk management. 2. Was there any other significant domestic abuse work undertaken by your agency in the year and what have been the outcomes for victims / survivors and their families? The focus of the last 12 months has been on the above. 3. As a result of the above achievements and in accordance with government guidance, what domestic abuse and gender based violence work will your agency be prioritising this year (April 13- March 14) and with which expected outcomes for victims / survivors and their families? Recruiting and training new team members specialising in supporting DA clients. B - 27
Hampshire Constabulary (PPD IOW) 1. What were your agency s priorities for domestic abuse work for the year April 2012 to March 2013? What progress was made and with what outcomes for victims/survivors and their families? Continue to provide high level of service to victims. The new Police & Crime Commissioner has listed the following priorities for 2013-2017. Domestic abuse is a clear thread within them all. Improve front line policing to deter criminals and keep communities safe. Place victims and witnesses at the heart of policing and the wider criminal justice system. Work together to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour in communities. Reduce re-offending. 2. Was there any other significant domestic abuse work undertaken by your agency in the year and what have been the outcomes for victims/survivors and their families? The Police are the key agency driving the MARAC process on the Isle of Wight. In the last 12 months we have dealt with 231 cases at MARAC. There are a number of successful court results recently: Conviction for a domestic rape sentenced to 8 years Perpetrator convicted of GBH (S20) sentenced to 12 months Perpetrator of GBH (S20) sentenced to 20 months 3. As a result of the above achievements and in accordance with government guidance, what domestic abuse and gender based violence work will your agency be prioritising this year (April 13- March 14) and with which expected outcomes for victims/survivors and their families? The plan will follow the PCC priorities. Safeguarding officers are visiting all front line officers to reiterate action and support offered within DA cases to further improve the response. B - 28
Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) From April 2013, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), led by GPs and other clinicians, are responsible for commissioning most local healthcare services. Therefore CCG s are statutorily responsible for ensuring that the organisations from which they commission services provide a safe system that safeguards children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect. The NHS standard contract for 2013/2014 contains three areas (having a named professional, ensuring education and advise is given to victims and their families and contributing to Domestic Homicide Reviews). Priorities for 2013/2014include: Employment of a dedicated nurse for safeguarding adults who will take the lead for the CCG for domestic abuse. This will ensure senior health representation at the domestic abuse forum. Ensure that both commissioning and provider health services engage with, respond to and record incidents of domestic abuse. Ensure that providers of services are held to account through regular review of safeguarding arrangements through quality scrutiny processes. Work in partnership to obtain the best outcome for victims and their families. Participate and take the lead for health in Domestic Homicide Reviews. B - 29