Domestic Violence
Developing an Effective Policy and Strategy
Programme Item
Workshop 1
"Developing an Effective Policy and Strategy"
Rachel Martin and Roy Tomlinson (Devon)
Key points from the presentation:
Devon developed a domestic violence partnership network in 1998
The domestic violence strategy was launched in 2002
The strategic partnership is now signed up to a Public Service Agreement (PSA) with the Home Office
Current projects include outreach services for female and male victims and training
Future developments include perpetrator programmes and an education/schools project
Key elements in developing a strategy include funding, a co-ordinator and consultation
Key points from the discussion:
Education has a clear role in tackling domestic violence, but mainstreaming seems "a long way off". Local Education Authorities were perceived as difficult to engage although delegates reported some success with individual teachers/schools
It was noted that many new court buildings under construction do not cater for victims of crime, especially domestic violence (e.g. only one entrance/exit)
Funding for domestic violence was felt to be largely "piecemeal"; the group was split on the pros and cons of ring-fencing funds
Child survivors of domestic violence, in common with other child victims of crime, have little support. Outreach services rarely work with children or young people
Partnerships and agencies do not prioritise domestic violence due to the lack of centrally imposed targets (e.g. as exist for burglary and street crime)
Capital revenue splits cause problems for Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs)
Police recording practices caused concern because of disparities. It was felt that these should be standardised nationally, which would require the support of Chief Constables.
Last update: 18 January 2005