Published on Tuesday 01 December 2020
Partnership priorities for tackling domestic abuse in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will be discussed at BCP Council's cabinet meeting (16 December) following the release of a strategy outlining the key areas for action over the next three years.
The Preventing Domestic Abuse strategy sets out the key priorities for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Community Safety Partnership (CSP) in tackling domestic abuse. The partnership is responsible for and committed to ensuring the successful delivery of the strategy and is interlinked with the work of the Safeguarding Adults Board and the Safeguarding Children’s Partnership, where Domestic Abuse are key priorities.
Domestic abuse is something that can happen to anyone and is indiscriminate of age, gender, race, profession or social background. It is estimated that if one in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse then this would impact around 53,000 women and 31,000 men residing across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The Preventing Domestic Abuse strategy aims to ensure that those in need are at the very centre of its work and partners are able to respond swiftly to local need, working towards an overall aim that "no resident living within or visiting Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole should live in fear of, or experience domestic abuse."
The Community Safety Partnership aims to achieve this by:
- Preventing violence and abuse by developing joined up support across services
- Providing services which victims will be able to access quickly, fairly and easily.
- Commitment to partnership working to reduce harm caused by domestic abuse
- Responding to perpetrators by supporting criminal justice agencies
Councillor May Haines, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, BCP Council said:
"Domestic abuse is an issue that affects many of our residents. Victims, survivors, their children and loved ones deserve help at the time of crisis and to be kept safe. We are committed to working collaboratively with partner organisations to reduce the harm caused by domestic abuse across the BCP Council area and sending a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated. The Preventing Domestic Abuse strategy will set out actions over the next three years to take robust action against abusers, change attitudes and behaviours and support victims on pathways to ensure they can lead safe, healthy and happy lives."
Sam De Reya, Assistant Chief Constable, Dorset Police and Chair of CSP said:
"In developing the Preventing Domestic Abuse strategy, partners working together are committed to this ambitious change programme to secure the best outcomes for victims and provide safer communities. The strategy will support us to learn from experience, consider evidence and look at the national best practice to deliver improved service and prevent domestic abuse in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. We are confident the strategy and renewed leadership focus will make a difference to victims, increase reporting and protect communities."
The full report is available to view here