Agenda item

Report from the Executive Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations

That Cabinet:

1. Endorse the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Offences Strategy 2026/27 – 2028/29 (attached at Appendix 1.)

2. Note that regular oversight of the Strategy will be undertaken by the Safer Rotherham Partnership Board and the Improving Lives Select Committee.

Consideration was given to the report which presented the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Offences Strategy 2026/27 – 2028/29 for endorsement. The Strategy, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, had been developed through consultation with the Local Domestic and Sexual Abuse Priority Group (DSAPG) which reported to the Safer Rotherham Partnership (SRP.) The refreshed Strategy would also incorporate the Partnership’s vision and commitment to addressing Sexual Offences and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In addition, future commissioning activity, including the Domestic Abuse Support Outreach Service, would be aligned with the revised strategic aims to ensure continuity and effectiveness in service provision. The current commissioned services had worked to align with the aims of the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2022–2027, with provider organisations playing an active role in the DSAPG. The Council had a statutory duty to ensure a Domestic Abuse Strategy was in place.

The Safer Rotherham Partnership Domestic Abuse Strategy (2022–2027) had undergone a formal review. The review had highlighted the successful delivery of the Strategy’s underpinning action plan, with many actions either fully completed with measurable outcomes or embedded into routine practice across partner agencies. These achievements demonstrated the strength of collaborative working and the integration of domestic abuse responses into core service delivery.

The 2022-2027 Strategy had provided a clear framework for co-ordinated efforts to tackle domestic abuse and had enhanced support for victims/survivors and their families.  While the Strategy commitment was for a 5 year period, the Safer Rotherham Partnership had agreed that there was a need to remain responsive to evolving local and national contexts and as a result, the partnership had undertaken a fundamental review, resulting in a refreshed Strategy with additional or amended priority areas. The refreshed Strategy would span 3 years (2026/27 to 2028/29). This reduced period would allow for earlier reflection and adaptation to emerging trends and demands and reflected lessons learnt in the delivery of the current Strategy.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.    Endorse the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Offences Strategy 2026/27 – 2028/29 (attached at Appendix 1.)

2.    Note that regular oversight of the Strategy will be undertaken by the Safer Rotherham Partnership Board and the Improving Lives Select Committee.