Michelle Cunningham, Thurrock Community Safety Partnership Manager, highlighted areas from the report of the work associated with the Thurrock Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2017-2020 and the proposed priorities for the refreshed strategy commencing for March 2020-2023. Members were informed that the strategy focused on the needs of women and girls but it was also recognised and responded to that men were victims of these crimes too. Members were referred to the key successes, the five themes to which the strategy would be delivered and the next steps.

Councillor Fletcher thanked Michelle Cunningham for the report and questioned was there any time limits to which departments communicated with each other on areas such as housing safeguarding. Michelle Cunningham stated that each case would be different but it would be a housing responsibility to victims and asked Councillor Fletcher to provide more specific information outside the committee.

Councillor Worrall questioned whether the 7367 MASH referrals were just for Thurrock and questioned how many more incidents were being non-reported. Michelle Cunningham stated that this was a frightening figure as 2482 referrals had a domestic abuse component. These were static reported figures for Thurrock and agreed with Councillor Worrall’s concerns that there were still victims who were not reporting incidents.

Councillor Worrall questioned whether any Members had been invited to the Violence Against Women and Girls conference held in September 2019 and could Members be invited to any future events. Michelle Cunningham stated Members would definitely be invited to any future conferences and would be invited to the J9 Domestic Abuse awareness bite size training as well.

Councillor Worrall touched on Modern Day Slavery and how this was being tackled in Thurrock. Michelle Cunningham stated that this had become a priority and would now be hosting the first Essex and Kent Partnership and three new officers would be joining the team in a couple of weeks. With Community Safety Partnership funding would be aimed at businesses and communities. Meeting with immigration and undertaking joined-up campaigns. Councillor Worrall thanked Michelle Cunningham for a great report.

Councillor Rigby questioned the age bracket of girls being reported on in the strategy. Michelle Cunningham stated that this was up to the age of 18. Although transition work was underway with Adult and Children’s Social Care and the Thurrock Community Safety Partnership to ensure this care was provided up to the age of 25.

Councillor Worrall stated her concern on the number of vulnerable people that attended the soup kitchen ran by the Friends of Essex and London Homeless at the Church in Orsett Road, Grays who possibly were being exploited and asked for Officer intervention. Michelle Cunningham agreed that this was a valid point and would refer to the team.

Councillor Rigby referred to the “The Good Man Project” and questioned how these referrals were made. Michelle Cunningham stated these would be referrals from schools, those at risk of exclusion or referrals from social care. That the feedback received had been good to which the service would now be extended to women.

RESOLVED

1.         The Cleaner Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed the vision of the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy for 2020-2023 “Making Violence Against Women and Girls Everyone’s Business – Protecting residents of all genders by working in partnership to prevent and respond to Violence Against Women and Girls crimes and associated behaviours”.

2.         Requested that members champion the Violence Against Women and Girls agenda and raise the profile of the services that are available to Thurrock residents.

At 7.25pm, Michelle Cunningham left the committee room.