Trail blazing domestic violence services in Shropshire

Victims of domestic violence in Shropshire are being supported by the county council and its partners more than ever before, according to a report presented to cabinet members today (Wednesday, 28 November).

Shropshire County Council and partners are leading the way on the first Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conferencing in the West Mercia Police area. New arrangements for specialist courts are also being adopted in Telford and Wrekin based upon the highly successful experiences in Shrewsbury.

Gerald Dakin, the county council Cabinet member for community safety, said: “Domestic violence is Britain’s biggest hidden crime affecting both victims and their children. We estimate that over 12,000 women each year will experience some kind of domestic abuse in Shropshire. We know that only one fifth of all incidents are reported.”

The cabinet report outlined measures being taken to improve services for victims which include:

• Improved multi-agency working to support victims and reduce the risk
• Specialist Domestic Violence Courts which now meet on a weekly basis at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court
• The appointment of Independent Specialist Domestic Violence Advocates
• Arrangements for dealing with offenders through the courts with specific programme to address their offending behaviour

Councillor Dakin added: “Through our domestic violence services we want to improve people’s confidence and awareness of the support available locally through statutory and voluntary organisations, and also through the criminal justice system.

“We also want to make it clear to offenders that domestic violence is not acceptable, and will not be tolerated. For this reason court sittings have moved to weekly sittings so that cases can be disposed of with the minimum of delay and with full support available to victims throughout the whole process.”

The council’s cabinet report also described how the services for domestic violence can be accessed, including the availability of a helpline run by West Mercia Women’s Aid:

The helpline number is 0800 783 1356.

28 November 2007