Agenda item

1.    Mr Skilton, Head of Community Safety for Kent and Rescue Fire and Rescue Service and chair of Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Strategy Group, introduced the report and explained that the 14 recommendations had been discussed by the Scrutiny Committee in 2012.  A task and finish group had been set up involving all partners assisted by and chaired by Alison Gilmour, Kent and Medway Domestic Violence Co-ordinator.  Of the 14 recommendations 12 were green, 2 were amber and none were red, it was a positive report with recommendations being actions. 

2.    Ms Gilmour explained that Domestic Violence and Abuse was a multi-agency issue which required the involvement of all partners.

3.    Members congratulated officers on their report, in response to a question referring to recommendation 11 and the funding gap Ms Gilmour explained that the services commissioned to deliver domestic abuse specific services, such as for children affected by domestic abuse, were overwhelmed and under-resourced.  Charity agencies played a large role in delivering services in schools but this relied on funding which was not sufficient therefore there were gaps.

4.    A comment was made about the phrase ‘stable and average rate’ of domestic abuse, this was noted.

5.    With regard to the budget gap this would be provided to Members.

6.    A question was raised about the engagement with the gypsy and traveller unit and why rates of ‘not known’ or unreported levels of one stop shops being helpful were high in some areas.  Ms Gilmour explained that work had been undertaken with Gypsy and Traveller units with conferences held, involvement with Traveller Times and the strategy did include a piece of work on which groups were difficult to engage with.  In relation to one stop shops this information was reliant on the one stop shops providing it, this was not mandatory, but relationships were good and they would be reminded of why the data was requested.

7.    One member referred to the total cost to Kent and Medway services in dealing with the effects of domestic abuse and sexual assault which was £317,125,587.  However Members were aware that this figure would be higher due to the social impacts.  In response to a Member’s query about KCC’s contribution to this item Ms Gilmour explained that she was the Kent and Medway Domestic violence co-ordinator and although she was based at Police HQ she was employed by KCC.

8.    Two Members queried a briefing due to be held the previous Monday, however the Scrutiny Officer clarified that this briefing was due to be a discussion between the three remaining Domestic Abuse Select Committee Members and that no officers had been invited to the briefing.

9.    A query was raised about KCC’s website and its links to the Domestic Abuse website.  This would be followed up. 

10. Mrs Cole, the Domestic Abuse Member Champion explained that she had been in her Champion position since last summer, and she had worked on a programme with schools.

11. A Member commented that the strategy should be applauded; success depended on agencies working together and sharing information. 

12. A Member commented that this might be an issue that should be taken up by the relevant Cabinet Committee.  This would be followed up and reported back.

13 RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Committee:

i)        Thank Ms Gilmour and Mr Skilton for attending the meeting and answering Members’ questions and for the excellent work that had been undertaken.

ii)      Welcome the offer to provide further information on the budget gap with commissioned services providing support with domestic abuse.

iii)   Request that the relevant Cabinet Committee receive regular reports back on the issue of Domestic Abuse.