Agenda item

To receive an update on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) including;

·         Progress with the implementation of the recommendations of the scrutiny review on the issue;

·         Progress with the implementation of the Iris Scheme by Haringey CCG;

·         Information regarding referrals.

Fiona Dwyer, Strategic Lead for Violence Against Women and Girls, provided the Panel with an update on;

·         Progress with the implementation of the recommendations of the scrutiny review on the issue, including the Iris Scheme by Haringey CCG: and

·         Details of patterns of referral.

A 10 year strategy had been agreed in November and there was now an action plan for the first three years to support it.   There were four key strategic priorities beneath this:

·         The development of a co-ordinated community response;

·         A community wide approach to prevention;

·         Support for victims/survivors; and

·         Holding perpetrators to account.

A number of specific services had been commissioned:

·         Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs);

·         The IRIS scheme which involved working with GP practices and was funded by the Clinical Commissioning Group;

·         Perpetrator support, including the YUVA project that was aimed at young people; and

·         Continued funding for the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC). 

The Panel noted that a robust data dashboard was being developed as part of a three year project.  There was evidence of under reporting at the moment and the data that was available tended to be piecemeal in nature.  Funding was currently being sought for the project.

In answer to a question regarding how performance was measured, Ms Dwyer stated that there were a number of key performance indicators for commissioned services.  These included repeat victimisation, pre and post satisfaction levels and service outcomes, such as placement in safe accommodation and attendance on projects. 

The Panel noted that work was taking place with young people through youth facilities and sports clubs, including training.  In addition, social media was being used to communicate with them.  It was also noted that a lot of women were homeless due to domestic violence.  There were a lot of women who could be categorised as “hidden homeless” as they were, for example, staying with friends or relatives due to domestic violence.  A cross borough project aimed at providing assistance to women suffering from multiple deprivation, with additional complexities, had just begun its work.  The Police were key partners and actively involved in partnership activity to address Violence Against Women and Girls.  In particular, they co-chaired the MARAC.

Ms Dwyer reported that the three year phased action plans were aimed at ensuring that work remained relevant.  A communications strategy was being developed. 

In answer to a question regarding the low numbers of referrals from the Children and Young People’s Service, she stated that this had been identified as an issue and the service was looking at it.  There was a feeling though that if the Police had already made a referral, there was no need for others to also refer.  However, it had been clarified that this would not lead to duplication. 

She stated that funding was a continual issue as Violence Against Women and Girls cut across a number of services.  Current funding arrangements had nevertheless been agreed but additional external funding was also being applied for.  In addition, consideration was being given also being given to potential internal sources of funding.  However, funding was always likely to be a challenge.

In answer to a question, Ms Dwyer reported that funding needed for IDVAs in hospitals and had been included as part of a bid to the Home Office.  A lot of work had nevertheless been undertaken with local NHS trusts, including training.