Council and democracy

Agenda item

Strategy to Tackle Violence against Women and Girls in Thurrock, 2017/20

Minutes:

Jim Nicolson presented the report and stated that in line with national government the Thurrock’s Community Safety Partnership had adopted a number of years ago the Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) agenda to replace the previous definition of domestic abuse. That the VAWG dealt with domestic violence and abuse, honour based abuse, modern day slavery, human trafficking, sexual violence and children sexual exploitation. That the updated strategy would be essential to maintain the progress made in Thurrock to ensure these crimes were tackled. That the direction of travel was correct; the progress of the strategy had been achieved and that the support and engagement with Members was vital going forward to assist with any new initiatives.

 

Jim Nicolson briefed Members on some specific items from the strategy and action plan:

 

           That the strategy and action plan now fully recognised and addressed the needs of men.

           That SERICC had played a major part in the support of the strategy and the action plan.

           That “16 Days of Action” workshops, on a number of topics, including Forced Marriage, had been undertaken to train staff on what would be expected of them and how to offer their knowledge and help.

           That 87 front line staff had been trained on J9, a Domestic Abuse Initiative named in memory of Janine Mundy, who was killed by her estranged husband while he was on Police bail.

           That a great deal of work had been undertaken locally and nationally working with victims and that work with perpetrators would commence in partnership with Essex and Southend Council having received a £450,000 government funding for a three year programme to develop the appropriate pathways for perpetrators.

           That on average two women a week were killed by their partners.

           That reviews of domestic homicides had been set up and had identified 27 cases in Essex since these were introduced with no reported incidents in Thurrock.

           That the quality of service available for men had been limited but this was fast improving.

           That a campaign on Elder Abuse had been launched, a hidden crime focusing on domestic abuse on people aged 55 or over.

           Posters were tabled for Members to comment on which presented the situation more positively.

 

Councillor Collins thanked Officers for the fantastic work put into this good report and was pleased with the direction of travel. Councillor Collins also stated he was happy that the strategy now fully recognised and addressed the needs of men.

 

Councillors Collins asked for some clarification on Witchcraft. Jim Nicolson stated that he had limited knowledge on this subject but would explore more to see how best to engage and to ensure that services are available and how people can access these.

 

Julie Rogers informed Members that this was Jim Nicolson last committee as he was retiring next week and that he would be leaving on a high following such a fantastic report and thanked him for all the hard work he had undertaken in Thurrock.

 

Councillor Cherry stated the examples of posters tabled were upbeat and positive. Jim Nicolson stated that these would be advertised on the Essex Police website.

 

Councillor Collins questioned that now the strategy recognised the needs of men how this would be advertised. Jim Nicolson stated that work would continue within the community keeping people alert and aware and how these crimes could be reported and how people can self-refer.

 

Councillor Kent stated that the strategy was good but questioned what work was being undertaken to educate people that this type of behaviour was not acceptable. Jim Nicolson stated that the Risk Avert Programme had been introduced into Thurrock which was being led by Essex Council with Thurrock as a contributor. This was an innovative intervention programme focusing on educating young people on healthy relationships and avoiding engagement in risk-taking behaviours. That Universities and Schools were being contacted to address these issues.

 

Members agreed that this report should be added to the 2018/19 municipal year work programme to be presented in 12 months’ time.

 

The Vice Chair thanked Jim Nicolson for his hard work and wished him a long, happy and healthy retirement.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.         That the Cleaner Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee Members endorsed the direction of travel as contained within the Strategy.

 

2.         That the Cleaner Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee Members identified how they wish to be updated on progress.

 

3.         That the Cleaner Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee Members identify the initiatives with which they may wish to be more closely involved to engage community support and harness subsequent partnership-led activity.

 

4.         That a report “Strategy to Tackle Violence against Women and Girls in Thurrock, 2017/20” be added to the 2018/19 municipal year work programme to be presented in 12 months’ time.

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