23/5/2006 - Domestic violence in Cumbria is put under scrutiny

A new report examining the problem of domestic violence in Cumbria says there’s a need for more preventative work to break the cycle of domestic violence in the county.

The report, 'Domestic Violence in Cumbria', was produced by Cumbria County Council’s scrutiny panel responsible for improving the safety of people’s lives.

Domestic violence and abuse accounts for nearly 20% of all violent crime in the country.  In Cumbria it is nearer 25% and the report says that it’s probable that the true figure is higher, as evidence would suggest many incidents go unreported to the authorities. The report suggests there are issues around the input and accuracy of data from partnership bodies. It calls for robust mechanisms to be put in place so that support groups and agencies can monitor and evaluate the outcomes of their work.

The report examines the partnership working between the wide range of support workers and agencies involved in tackling the problem, including police officers, doctors, social workers, lawyers, probation officers, housing providers, benefits advisors, education and children’s services staff, and a host of non-statutory and voluntary workers.

While recognising a “strong strategic commitment” at the Cumbria Domestic Violence Strategic Management Board, the report highlights a lack of financial support at strategic and local levels from the statutory bodies involved.

The report also says there’s a need for more front-line staff training and education programmes to raise awareness of domestic violence issues. It recommends schools should take a cross-curricular approach, with training and support for school staff on domestic violence.

As one of the largest employers in the region, Cumbria County Council is currently formulating its own domestic violence policy for all staff. A draft policy is currently out for consultation, and the report recommends the council's policy should be adopted by September 2006. The report also calls for stronger elected councillor representation on the issue at a strategic level.

Councillor Anne Glendinning, chair of the council’s scrutiny panel responsible for improving the safety of people’s lives, said: “Domestic violence is a serious and distressing issue. It’s not restricted to areas of social and economic deprivation, it’s a countywide problem with people and families affected from all areas and social strata.

“There’s been some excellent groundwork laid down over the last three years by the Domestic Violence Project and the Cumbria Domestic Violence Strategic Management Board, but there’s a changing environment and more preventative work needs to be done to support the protection and prosecution work,” said Councillor Glendinning.

The report was presented to a meeting of the council's Cabinet today. Councillor Geoff Hodgson, cabinet member responsible for public protection, said: "This is a commendable report that has some detailed recommendations for the Domestic Violence Strategic Management Board to take on board.

"Many of the recommendations in the report have already been addressed since the review was carried out. But, as there's strong evidence that young people who witness domestic violence are more likely to become offenders in the future, tackling domestic violence needs to remain a major priority at the council. In the long term, if we reduce the incidences of domestic violence, we will reduce the demand on our social care services," said Councillor Hodgson.