Agenda item

·         Report and presentation attached.  

Councillor J. Hamilton, Chairperson of the Improving Lives Select Commission, welcomed Cheryl Henry-Leach, Domestic Abuse Officer, Jan Bean, Safeguarding Adults and Domestic Abuse Manager (Health and Wellbeing, Neighbourhood and Adult Services Directorate) and Zalakia Ahmed, Apna Haq.  They had attended to give a presentation on the issues around so-called ‘honour-based violence’ and forced marriage.  This was to enable the Improving Lives Select Commission to consider how it should undertake a scrutiny review into the issues.  

A previous scrutiny review into Domestic Abuse had been undertaken by the Improving Lives Select Commission and presented to the Cabinet on 6^th November, 2013.  Minute No. C111 refers. 

Work to tackle so-called ‘honour-based’ violence and forced marriage was led by the Safer Rotherham Partnership through the Domestic Abuse Priority Group.  This was in-line with the national Violence Against Women Campaign that the Central Government led.  

A presentation was delivered by the Domestic Abuse Officer.  Issues covered included: -

·         A definition of Domestic Abuse;

·         There was no legal move to change the term “honour”.  The concept varied between different individuals and groups;

·         Illustrated the differences between forced marriages and arranged marriages;

·         Arranged marriages could become forced marriages if one partner subsequently withdrew their consent;

·         There had been a slight increase from 2008/2009 – when 1,200 incidents were reported to 1,500 in 2012/2013;

·         Majority of victims were female.  31% were in the 18-21 age bracket;

·         Domestic Abuse training was refreshed in 2013;

·         In March, 2014, the Young Person’s Advocacy programme was adopted.

Three case studies were shared that illustrated the different types of forced marriage that could take place and the responses of agencies following referrals.  Discussion was undertaken on forced marriage and the impact it had on children and young people. 

Questions were asked if partners such as the Police, routinely attended key strategy meetings and Members of the Improving Lives Select Commission expressed concerns if this was not the case.  Officers in attendance confirmed that the expectation was that all Partners must attend when called to Strategy meetings.  When this was found not to be the case it was challenged at a strategic level. 

Discussion also covered: -

·         What support was available for children and young people who wanted to report their concerns about being subject to a forced marriage?  It could be very difficult for children to accuse their parents, as they loved them.  What could the Local Authority and partners do to ensure help was available? - It was highlighted that the delivery of training on behalf of the Rotherham Local Safeguarding Children Board was always full to capacity. Positive work had also been undertaken with Mosques. However, Apna Haq raised issues about potential gaps in awareness raising in schools suggesting that it was not provided on a consistent basis. 

·         What exercises were undertaken to ensure that gaps were identified? – The legal change around domestic abuse had helped with the recording and analysis of forced marriage and so called “honour-based’ violence.  The family’s history needed to be considered when assessing future risks.  It was difficult to ascertain an accurate picture of the extent of forced marriage within Rotherham because of under-reporting.

·         Rotherham’s Elected Members had attended a police training session on CSE.  Councillor Reynolds explained how he had asked whether the Chief Superintendent for South Yorkshire was confident that he had the resources to effectively police the issue.  He did not confirm this was the case and it was an area of concern to Councillor Reynolds.  - Statutory Guidance was clear that if the child was under the age of 18 the response would be led by Children’s Services.  If a specialist response was required Apna Haq would be approached. 

·         Councillor Turner was aware of cultural differences and expectations.  If a young person reported any issues related to domestic abuse it would be taken seriously. Different cultural and traditional norm were respected but we have to place victims’ safety first.  There was the statutory obligation to prevent a domestic homicide.  Apna Haq worked with and supported migrant communities and British Asian communities.

·         The importance of independent, confidential and safe areas where reporting could take place was discussed. 

·         The provision of information to Elected Members was considered.  It was noted that the Cabinet received a quarterly update from the Rotherham Local Safeguarding Children Board. 

It was agreed by all in attendance that a scrutiny review focused on forced marriage and so-called “honour-based” violence and in particularly how agencies responded to these issues given the legal changes recently introduced.  This would be scheduled to take place in the spring of 2015.  The members of the Improving Lives Select Commission supported the commencement of the review as quickly as possible. 

Councillor Hamilton thanked the Officers in attendance for their presentation and contribution to the discussion. 

Resolved: - (1)  That the responses to so-called “honour-based” violence and forced marriage be noted.   

(2)  That a scrutiny review on so-called “honour-based” violence and forced marriage take place from spring, 2015.