Agenda item

Report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

1.    That Cabinet approve and adopt the Domestic Abuse strategy.

2.    That Cabinet note that regular oversight of the Strategy will be undertaken by the Safer Rotherham Partnership Board.

Consideration was given to the report which sought approval of the Safer Rotherham Partnership Domestic Abuse Strategy for the period 2022–2027. The previous Strategy had ended in December 2020 and had enabled the Partnership to deliver significant work to reduce domestic violence and support for victims.

As a result of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, the Council had a statutory duty to produce a Domestic Abuse Strategy which sets out how it will deliver the new duties contained in the Act which included the provision of support for victims and family members (including therapeutic support) and the extensions of priority status within homelessness processes for victims of domestic abuse. These offers were currently in place within Rotherham and the Strategy partners were seeking to continue to strengthen this work.

The draft Safer Rotherham Partnership Domestic Abuse Strategy was attached to the report at Appendix 1 and identified 5 key areas of priority: drive change together; prevention and early intervention; justice and ongoing protection; responding to changing need and demand; and minimising harm through the provision of Early Help support for children and families. A key aim was to promote equality of access and bring more visibility to the different types of abuse. There was also a focus on the integration of services between different organisations. As the production of a Domestic Abuse Strategy was now a statutory requirement, there was no alternative option for Cabinet to consider.

Consultation had taken place with a range of partners and external organisations in November 2021 on the 2022-2027 Strategy with 21 responses received. The responses did not lead to change in terms of the strategic objectives but would inform the prioritisation of the annual delivery plan. Further, a number of partners and service users were engaged in order to co-produce the priorities and areas of focus. Details of these activities were set out in Appendix 2.

Cabinet Members placed on record their thanks to Councillor Hoddinott and the Partnership for their work on the delivery of the previous Strategy.

Resolved:-

1.    That Cabinet approve and adopt the Domestic Abuse Strategy; and

2.    That Cabinet note that regular oversight of the Strategy will be undertaken by the Safer Rotherham Partnership Board.