Agenda item

The Chairman reminded attendants that the London Borough of Barnet will have a stand together on the international day for the elimination of violence against women this Friday at the Sangam Centre from 11am-2.30pm and also the Jewish Women’s Aid will have an partnership information stall at Brent Cross on the 24^th of December,

The Chairman welcomed Superintendent Paula Light at the meeting.

Kiran Vagarwal introduced the report and her presentation regarding the Prevention and Responding to Violence against Women and Girls & Domestic Violence and Abuse (VAWG & DVA) in Barnet 2017-2020 report. Following her report Members had the opportunity to ask question of the officer.

Councillor Gordon asked how serious the issues are, whether any data is available and how these issues are relevant to Barnet. Superintendent Light responded these incidents are serious; there have been two domestic homicides and they impact on people’s lives and on the public purse. It costs £2 million for each homicide review.

Councillor Narenthira asked how young people are educated and Ms Vagarwal responded that they are working with schools, school police officers, colleagues in Family services so that there is a co-ordinated response in order to prioritise schools in the area that they will engage with.

Councillor O-Macauley asked what the causes of emotional and financial issues are and what are the different issues that affect different communities and the different way that violence is committed across different communities. 

Superintendent Light responded there have been two spikes in different in socioeconomic groups which are elderly parents living with their children and children living with the parents. Different communities are affected differently and they are working with communities to understand their lifestyle.

Councillor McGuirk added that one of the key areas of financial abuse is elderly abuse. Need to have wrap-around services and education on healthy relationships, currently there is no statutory requirement to educated. Cuts have affected the provision of services.

Regarding different racial and cultural groups, there is a concern that if communities are targeted they might be discouraged to engage and might distance themselves. These communities need to be embraced. It would also be useful to look at best practice in other boroughs that have much larger ethnic groups.

Regarding working with GPs on future commissioning and pulling budgets, Councillor McGuirk said that GPs are having a tough time and are facing financial difficulties and this needs to be taken into account.

A lot of victims find themselves in the criminal justice system and there needs to be work with both victims and perpetrators. Councillor McGuirk added that better co-ordination of services is needed and mentioned that there is lack of suitable housing and cuts to legal aid.

Also, GPs have been known to charge up to £125 pounds for issuing letters for proof of rape but she was not aware if this happens in Barnet but there is a need to look at this practice.

Violence against Women and Girls and Domestic Violence and Abuse cuts across other Committees such as the Housing Committee and Councillor McGuirk requested to know where do other areas sit in regards to this piece of work and how this work will be aligned with other services within the Council. 

There is a language barrier with women and girls seeking refuge in the UK and Councillor McGuirk suggested delivering English language classes and working with voluntary organisations. Finally, Councillor McGuirk said that she would like to know how the workshop will develop with Members who are going to be consulted on the VAWG and DVA strategy.

Councillor Rutter asked how many unreported cases are there and that it is important to increase awareness across different communities and informing residents on the ways they can access help. Councillor Rutter also asked whether there is a breakdown of figures of abuse and violence and where does it happen e.g schools, marital.

Superintendent Light responded that referrals come from the Police, GPs and Public Health Trust. In cases where there are low referrals they go back to check why there is low reporting. People can go into reporting sites and raise any concerns.

Ms Vagarwal said that the report for the March committee will include statistics and she will consider all comments from Members and will take them into account in the strategy.

Councillor Old raised his concerns regarding the Identification & Referral to Improve Safety (IRIS) model and the fact that there could be resistance and GPs might be reluctant to report unless they have agreement from their patient.

Councillor Old asked whether there is scope for this issue to be given more attention.

Regarding collaboration across borough boundaries, Councillor Old asked whether there are any other fields in which collaboration is going to be explored and he also asked how body worn cameras work.

Superintendent Light responded that they attach the body worn cameras on their stab-proof vest and they are worn when police officers need to make a visit where evidence needs to be captured and are activated by taping the camera.

Ms Vagarwal gave a few examples of cross borough collaboration that were highlighted 2015 June report. 

Councillor Brayne referred to page 29 of the report and the Barnet Homes bid for the refuse service and asked whether securing the extra funding would be reported to the Housing Committee. Ms Vagarwal responded that in terms of the DCLG funding she was not certain if it went to Committee however, the agreement has been that the rent generated from the refuse goes back into paying for the refuse and that is at least 70% of the cost. She also mentioned that the partnership ensures and they address any funding short fall in specialist services.

Councillor Gordon asked what is a wrap-around service and Ms Vagarwal responded that depending on the case there are different services that can be used to support that case at the right time in the right way by working together.

Councillor O-Macauley questioned how effective is intervention when there are mental issues involved. Ms Vagarwal responded that there is a complex subgroup whose purpose is to look at substance misuse, mental health and domestic violence cases and agree as a partnership on intervention at the right time to address these issues.

Councillor McGuirk also added that Teaching Assistants pick up a lot in schools in relation to domestic violence and abuse and this is another important element within schools around early intervention.

Councillor Slocombe asked about domestic violence in churches and that this should be included. Her requested was noted.

Following discussion the item, the Committee unanimously agreed all recommendations.

It was therefore RESOLVED:

1. That the Committee commented on the proposed

a) vision

b) partnership strategic objectives

c) approach for Barnet’s 2017-2020 VAWG & DVA strategy.

2. That the Committee noted:

a) It will receive an annual report on the progress of the VAWG & DVA 2017-2020 strategy

3. That the Committee noted the following commitment set out in the Home Office 2016-2020 Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy: ‘Everyone in their local area will be able to hold their elected leaders to account through data on how local need is being met’

4. That the Committee noted the actions proposed in 4.1 of the report