Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health presented a report on domestic and sexual violence issues and the work being undertaken by the Council and partner agencies to reduce crime in those areas and to support victims and others affected.

It was noted that Barking and Dagenham appeared in the mid-range of London Boroughs for sexual violence offences per 1,000 population for the rolling 12 month period ending August 2014 but was considerably higher than all other London Boroughs in respect of domestic violence offences, having experienced a 25% increase over the past year.  The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health advised that although increased public awareness of referral processes may go some way to explain Barking and Dagenham’s position, a multi-partner group had been established to look in detail into the issue to ensure that all was being done to tackle the problem.

The Leader spoke in support of the work being undertaken, which was being overseen by the Health and Wellbeing Board, and also referred to the “Walk In Her Shoes” initiative taking place on 25 October 2014 and “Women Empowerment Month” in March 2015.

Cabinet resolved to note the report.