Issue - meetings

1.    Ms Agyepong (Assistant Director, Adult Social Care, KCC) introduced the update. The new Domestic Abuse Strategy would begin the consultation process on 24 July and would help to strengthen partnership working and how local authorities responded to domestic abuse situations, to ensure that victims of domestic abuse received support quickly and with a holistic approach.

2.    Ms Hunter-Whitehouse (Senior Project Officer for Domestic Abuse, KCC) outlined the three key themes of the strategy which were intervention and prevention; immediate needs; and recovery; and the work that had been undertaken to develop these themes and the subsequent outcomes and actions. The Domestic Abuse Research team had conducted eleven interviews and fifty surveys with victims to ensure direct experience was included in the strategy.

3.    It was noted the consultation would run from 14 July to 16 October to encourage as much feedback on the strategy as possible. The consultation would be promoted through videos and social media as well as more formal consultation methods and would be available in easy-read version.

4.    The Chair questioned what would happen after the consultation and how the strategy would be embedded. Ms Hunter-Whitehouse confirmed that the strategy outlined 27 commitments which would be embedded through a detailed delivery plan, alongside sub-groups who would help to take forward actions and would include members of the KCSP. Ms Agyepong added that the strategy would also link to partner agencies such as the PCC, Department of Work and Pensions, and the Fire and Rescue Service.

5.    A Partnership Member commented that it was good to see both Adults Social Care and Children’s Social Care being included in the strategy at the intervention and prevention stage.

6.    The Chair asked for an update on the report be presented to Committee once the consultation had concluded so KCSP Members could discuss how the strategy would be embedded.

7.    A Partnership Member raised a concern as a definition for prevention was not included within the strategy. A concern was also raised regarding the clarity of who owned the strategy and the governance structures that would surround it, in accordance with legislation.

RESOLVED that the KCSP:

1.    Noted the development of the strategy.

2.    Considered the progress made report.

3.    Considered the draft executive summary, and draft strategy.