Tackling domestic abuse at an area level

1. Tackling domestic abuse at an area level

2. Outline • The scale of the problem • A cross agency issue • Approaches that underpin effective local work • What helps and what hinders? • Using the self-assessment You can download and adapt any of these slides to promote local discussions Domestic Abuse Research

3. Domestic abuse is a serious issue In 2009/10: • domestic violence accounted for 14 per cent of all reported violent incidents; • women were the victims in 77 per cent of these cases; • domestic violence had the highest rate of repeat victimisation of any serious crime. Forty seven per cent of victims experience more than one incident; 30 per cent more than three; and • seven per cent of women and four per cent of men suffered domestic abuse during the year. • Source: British crime survey 2009/10. Domestic Abuse Research

4. Serious cases use public resources Typical cost of one case over one year £20,000 Domestic Abuse Research

5. A cross agency issue (1): overlaps with children at risk 1774 records of serious abuse cases • Risk of poor parenting • Direct risks to child safety • Emotional, behavioural and educational consequences for children Domestic Abuse Research

6. A cross agency issue (2): overlaps with crime and health Victims also have above average dependence on alcohol and drugs. Based on 2567 records of high risk cases Domestic Abuse Research

7. A cross agency issue (3): overlaps with homelessness In 2009 5,880 households were accepted as homeless because of a violent relationship breakdown. A further 5,200 might have become homeless without the protection of a sanctuary scheme. Domestic Abuse Research

8. Areas that are better at addressing domestic abuse take similar approaches A multi-agency approach A victim-centred approach More successful areas • Recognise and address diversity and equality • Organise funding and understand VFM Domestic Abuse Research

9. Well-established, inclusive arrangements; senior sponsorship Common understanding of abuse; shared goal of victim safety Clear joint strategy that can be measured Joint training Shared approach to monitoring and referring, consistency in response. Lack of engagement from some partners, responsibilities unclear No shared definition or understanding of what services are trying to achieve Different recording systems, information not adequately shared Differing service thresholds. Multi-agency working What helps Obstacles Domestic Abuse Research

10. Agreed accountability for assistance and support at all stages Single points of contact; dedicated workers to help high-risk victims Choice/tailoring including independent (VCS) advice Involving survivors in policy and practice development Weak information on the extent of abuse Services that act independently and do not cross refer /share Targets based on services, not victims (for example, convictions not victim safety) A lack of diversity in provision and support, even where needs known Victim-centred approach What helps Obstacles Domestic Abuse Research

11. Good training Targeting groups where under- reporting is likely or suspected Recognising that victims and perpetrators come from different ages and genders Local or regional support options for victims and perpetrators that reflect community needs Under - reporting leads to lack of awareness of range of need Support and advice services that only cater for male on female abuse Lack of flexibility Understanding diversity What helps Obstacles Domestic Abuse Research

12. Short-term and ad hoc funding an obstacle to strategic work Responses left to specialist services without capacity Value for money calculations possible – but cashable savings rarely direct to service funder, making it harder to argue for money Joint bids, pooled budgets with clear priorities Mainstream services see the links to their work and ensure their staff are trained to deliver Clarity on commissioning Costs and benefits monitored and shared across partners Funding and vfm issues What helpsObstacles Domestic Abuse Research

13. Overcoming barriers – examples • How to engage important partners • How to engage victims in service improvement • How to share referral data below MARAC level • Survivors involved in training magistrates to give emotional impact • Victims asked for feedback on special courts at the end of cases • Survivors group used to comment on arrangements and ideas • Locally agreed standard simple form, co-ordinated by local council Domestic Abuse Research

14. An agenda for local areas? • Maintain co-ordinated local services through the governance and financial changes to health and police. • Strengthen your victim centred approach – no retreat into provider silos. • Use fewer resources well: • Increase service flexibility to better address diversity. • Engage mainstream services wherever possible. • Increase efficiency via information sharing, cross referrals etc. • Agree local data collection to allow evidence based improvement and the demonstration of local savings to local statutory agencies. Domestic Abuse Research

15. The web assessment tool • The tool helps you assess your partnership’s strengths and consider changes • It includes background and tableson underlying approaches: • joint work, victim centred (with an understanding of diversity) and understanding costs, outcomes and value for money. • and on four areas of work: • prevention, identification, advice and support and dealing with perpetrators. • It includes an excel self assessment that generates summary reports for you. Domestic Abuse Research

16. Example table: better multi-agency partnerships Domestic Abuse Research

17. Example chart from a report The responses to operational questions are quite positive, suggesting that on a day to day basis this partnership runs well. ….but strategy needs work Domestic Abuse Research

18. Options for using tool • Use the tables as the basis for a group discussion on performance in one or more area. • Use the excel self-assessment to create local reports. You can fill the questions in as individuals or after group discussion. • Discuss the report suggestions. Are these useful areas for local focus? Could you improve here? Domestic Abuse Research