Agenda item

To consider a report of the Executive Director Core Services and the Executive Director Communities (Item 4a attached) in respect of Domestic Abuse Services in Barnsley including Case Studies (Item 4b attached) and Information on the Public Awareness Campaign (Item 4c attached).

The following witnesses were welcomed to the meeting:

Wendy Lowder – Executive Director – Communities

Councillor J Platts – Cabinet Spokesperson – Communities

Jayne Hellowell – Head of Commissioning & Healthier Communities

Rosemary Clewer – Commissioning Manager – Stronger, Safer & Healthier Communities

Sam Goulding – Project Manager – Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS)

Acting Detective Inspector (ADI) Adrienne Sheekey – South Yorkshire Police

The Executive Director Communities introduced this item by giving a brief overview of the progress so far on the local commissioned response to domestic abuse together with the current climate in Barnsley.  The Committee also received case studies and real life accounts of the impact that agencies could have on the lives of victims by working collaboratively through the MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference) process together with information on the Domestic Abuse Public Awareness Campaign.

The Executive Director commented on the success of the project and of proposals for developing the service in the future.  She commented that the arrangements were seen as a model provision being one of the best, if not the best in the region.

In the ensuing discussion, and in response to detailed questioning and challenge, the following matters were highlighted:

·         The ways in which people could access the service was outlined and particular reference in this respect was made to re-referrals and self-referrals.  Arising out of this discussion reference was made to emotional and therapeutic recovery options and the special arrangements in place to deal with children and young people by the involvement of specialist teams/services including Social Care

·         There was a discussion of multi-agency involvement and of the ways in which a common/unified approach was ensured.  This was achieved in a number of ways including having appropriate governance arrangements in place (which was seen as a key element), appropriate reporting arrangements and a true partnership approach.  Particular reference was made to the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) which was a meeting between different statutory and voluntary sector agencies where information on the highest risk cases of domestic abuse was shared

·         Reference was made to future plans and challenges and particularly the arrangements for training which were welcomed. 

o   It was particularly pleasing to note that an organisation called Human Kind was to deliver a training programme to develop professionals’ skills in working with men as victims.  It was also suggested that specific focused training should be provided for Elected Members

o   Arising out of the above, reference was made to the ‘Speak Up’ Campaign details of which were outlined within an appendix to the report.  This campaign aimed to get the message across that domestic abuse would not be tolerated and that individuals suffering such abuse would be encouraged to speak up and would be listened to by all services involved

o   Once an instance of domestic abuse had been identified arrangements were in place to ensure that the individual(s) concerned were referred to the most appropriate agency to deal with the specific issues raised.  Training had been put in place to ensure that all agencies involved were aware of such arrangements

o   Arrangements had been put in place to ensure that all employees entering domestic premises (such as those in Berneslai Homes Construction Services) had been trained in spotting instances of domestic abuse

o   It was reported that a conference had been held in 2018 for local businesses/employers.  The aim of this had been to raise the awareness of domestic abuse, to check whether or not employers had the necessary policies and protocols in place and to ensure that they knew what action to take in the event that an instance of domestic abuse was discovered

·         The ways in which children and young people could report issues was outlined.  It was noted that a lot of work had been undertaken with schools on this and arising out of this, reference was made to the work of young person’s domestic abuse advisors

·         Reference was made to the successful bid made to the Ministry of Justice for capital funding of £250,000 to develop a new women’s centre with accommodation which was to be developed in collaboration with partners and providers:

o   The matched funding arrangements were touched upon and the centre would provide access for women to drop in to talk about issues including those emanating from the ‘Speak Up’ Campaign. 

o   Women would be able to access counselling and training opportunities.

o    It was also hoped that a social enterprise could perhaps provide a crèche and a café. 

o   An additional four units of accommodation were to be provided to ensure that women subject to domestic abuse had access to a place of safety

o   No specific site had been identified, however, it would be on a good bus route and the site would be chosen in liaison with the Police

·         In response to specific questioning regarding hours of operation, it was reported that South Yorkshire Police were always available for victims of abuse and arrangements would be made for overnight accommodation for victims and their families.  Concerns were expressed about financial restrictions and questions were asked as to whether or not appropriate responses would continue to be made prior to an issue escalating.  In response Acting Detective Inspector Sheekey outlined the ways in which calls were logged and triaged to respond.  She went on to describe the steps that could be taken as a result of any complaints received about inappropriate response times so that lessons could be learned.  She pointed out, however, that after investigation, not all response times were judged to be inappropriate and that each request for response was taken on its own merits.  It was noted that alongside the Women’s Centre, a telephone helpline was available until 11.00 pm seven days a week – this enabled services the opportunity to identify where vacancies were available across the country and ensure that victims did not have to wait unduly for support

·         The work of the Independent Domestic Abuse Service (ISAS) was referred to and the rationale for adopting this arrangement was outlined.  It was particularly noted that other Authorities were now looking to the Barnsley approach as a model of excellence.  Sheffield City Council had also awarded the contract to IDAS and this service was to be rolled out from 1^st April, 2019

·         The difficulties associated with referrals from the LGBTQ section of the community were referred to.  It was noted that the service worked hard to understand barriers that prevented people from accessing services they required

·         Reference was made to the way in which the quality and equity of provision could be ensured bearing in mind that referrals could come from a variety of sources

·         The service was working hard to change ‘hearts and minds’ so that domestic abuse was seen to be perceived with the same stigma and as offensive as ‘drink driving’

·         The Committee were pleased to hear that Claire Throssell has become an ambassador for IDAS. Her relentless campaigning had come about as a result of her abusive husband killing her two sons in a house fire in Penistone.  She was also helping to raise the Speak Up campaign through the media.

RESOLVED:

(i)             that the report be noted and that witnesses be thanked for their attendance and contribution and for answering Members questions; and

(ii)               that training be provided for Elected Members on Domestic Abuse.