12th July 2007, 07/231
Plans to reduce domestic violence to be
launched
Tackling domestic violence remains top of the agenda for West
Lancashire as it launches its first ever action plan to make a
difference to those who are suffering from abuse.
In 2005/2006 alone there were 993 reported incidents of domestic
violence to police in West Lancashire - but this is just the tip of
the iceberg! In fact, every week in England and Wales two women are
killed by their current or former partner.
Currently domestic violence accounts for approximately a fifth of
all violent crimes nationally and is a problem across the country,
which is why the West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership - of
which the District Council is the lead agency - has made it one of
its top priorities.
As a result, a Domestic Violence Strategy is being launched on 25th
July, which will provide a multi-agency response to this issue and
help victims.
Cllr David Westley, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said:
"Domestic violence covers a range of behaviours and offences
ranging from common assault to rape and murder, as well as on-going
emotional, financial and psychological abuse, all of which have a
massive effect on victims, survivors, their children and the wider
community. The challenge for West Lancashire is to use the
experience and determination that already exists within the
district to reduce the tolerance of domestic violence. Therefore,
this strategy represents the ongoing commitment from partner
agencies to address the issues raised."
The main aims of the strategy are:
· To increase awareness of domestic violence and increase reporting
of it
· Work together to challenge abusive behaviour and prevent domestic
violence
· To develop an action plan and strategic approach to domestic
violence that will be effective in supporting families and reducing
domestic violence
· To work in partnership with agencies, organisations and
businesses in the district to deliver better services and outcomes
for families.
Bill Taylor, Chair of the West Lancashire Community Safety
Partnership, said: "Lots of great work has already been achieved so
far, such as the establishment of the West Lancashire Domestic
Violence Forum, the efforts of the Women's Refuge to provide
services, the creation of the Domestic Violence Co-ordinator post,
domestic violence training and much more. Together with our ongoing
commitment to tackling this problem and the launch of the new
strategy I'm confident that together we can work together to reduce
domestic violence in West Lancashire."
The Domestic Violence Co-ordinator will be monitoring the delivery
of the new strategy and the next step will be to produce a number
of actions plans to address the priorities.
To view the strategy visit the Domestic Violence section of the website.
Anyone who is suffering abuse and wants support can contact West
Lancashire Women's Refuge on 0808 100 3062 or Women's Aid National
on 0808 2000 247. Abusive partners can contact the Respect helpline
on 0845 122 8609.
Related information
> Council
news
> Community
safety
> Domestic
violence