Agenda item

This Cabinet report accompanies the three Domestic Abuse Strategies as part of the Safer CSP Community Safety Partnership’s commitment in response to Domestic Abuse in line with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The Board was advised that these three strategies form the Council’s strategic framework to preventing and respond to domestic abuse across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) in partnership with statutory and voluntary sector agencies. Whilst it is not a requirement to have a Perpetrator Strategy or an overarching Preventing Domestic Abuse Strategy, the Community Safety Partnership have developed these complimentary strategies to focus on preventative, early intervention work and ensure that a holistic approach is taken to addressing domestic abuse and perpetrating behaviours in BCP. All three strategies have been developed through significant public consultation and development, including lived experience groups, Councillor task and finish group and wider stakeholder engagement. The commissioning plan that accompanied the strategies would inform the commissioning of domestic abuse services in BCP. The Board discussed a number of issues in the subsequent discussion on this item including:

Adjournment 7:11 – 7:21

Accessibility and Use of Terminology - Questions were raised regarding references to a "gendered lens" and "intersectionality". Officers explained that the terms referred to the way in which characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability and other protected characteristics could combine to create additional barriers to accessing support services.

Members welcomed the explanation but requested that terminology used within publicly available documents be expressed more clearly to aid understanding.

Partnership Working with Dorset Police - Concern was raised that the role of Dorset Police and wider partnership arrangements were not sufficiently visible within the strategies. Officers advised that extensive partnership working already existed through mechanisms including Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC), Domestic Abuse Strategic Groups, Safeguarding arrangements, Domestic abuse commissioned services. It was confirmed that Dorset Police participated in strategic and operational governance arrangements and that close working relationships existed in relation to safeguarding and support for high-risk victims. Several Members nevertheless considered that the strategies should more clearly demonstrate these arrangements and explain the role of partner agencies.

Suicide Preventions – The Board queried how domestic abuse work aligned with wider suicide prevention activity. It was reported that domestic abuse had been identified as a significant risk factor within suicide prevention work and that domestic abuse representation was included within wider suicide prevention partnerships and strategic groups.

Members were reassured that the work was not being undertaken in isolation and formed part of a wider public health approach.

Commissioning and In-House Delivery - Clarification was sought regarding the extent to which services would be delivered directly by the Council. Officers advised that specialist domestic abuse support was required under legislation and best practice guidance to be delivered by specialist providers. Whilst some functions remained in-house, including strategic coordination and certain housing-related support roles, accommodation and community-based services would continue to be procured from specialist organisations. It was explained that specialist providers offered established expertise, governance arrangements and operational capacity which would be difficult and resource-intensive to replicate internally.

Measuring Success and Outcomes - Members emphasised the importance of demonstrating outcomes and effectiveness. Officers advised that a Domestic Abuse Strategic Group would develop a performance framework and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Members requested regular scrutiny updates to ensure progress could be monitored over the life of the strategies.

Use of Acronyms and Accessibility - The extensive use of specialist acronyms, including MARAC, MASH and IDVA, without accompanying explanations was highlighted. Officers accepted the point and undertook to review the documentation prior to Cabinet consideration to ensure terminology was more accessible to readers. Members also suggested that explanatory graphics or diagrams be developed to illustrate governance arrangements, agency responsibilities and pathways into support.

Public Awareness and Communications - Discussion took place regarding the visibility of support services and routes to assistance.

Members highlighted the importance of ensuring that information was available through a variety of channels and not solely via the Council's website. Officers advised that information was widely available through websites, printed materials and partner organisations and that new domestic abuse leaflets had been distributed through community locations.

The potential role of councillors in distributing information locally was also discussed.

The Board expressed support for the strategies and commissioning plan and welcomed the extensive work undertaken by officers and partners and it was,

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet be advised that the O&S Board supported the recommendation as outlined in the report to approve: 

• The overarching Safer BCP Prevention of Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-31 

• The Safe Accommodation Strategy 2026-31 

• The Perpetrator Strategy 2026-31 

• The accompanying Safe Accommodation & Community Services Commissioning Plan 

Voting: Unanimous 

The meeting adjourned at 7.11pm and resumed at 7.21pm.