Working Group 1 – Support for Victims Wednesday 22nd April 2009 Ddole Road, Llandrindod Wells
Present Maris Teterus Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre Melanie Sharman Brecknockshire Women’s Aid Ruth Parry Wright Radnorshire Women’s Aid Bethan Williams Victim Support Margaret Richards Co-ordinator 1. Apologies Rob Powell Housing Joyce Hughes IDVA Sara Humphries Tai Hafan
2. Introductions All those present introduced themselves.
3. Action Plan
‘To ensure that people are offered appropriate and consistent support and information across the county through a range of media including the internet, leaflets and directories and in a range of locations to enable secure, easy access.’ MAR produced a copy of the Regional Directory ‘The Purple Directory’ which has been produced by the CPS and is now available for distribution. It was decided that the main priorities should be Housing, Libraries, GP surgeries, Hospitals, Police DAOs, CAB, the IDVA and the DA provider agencies. A Launch of the Directory should be taking place in June/July through the CPS in Carmarthen. MAR agreed to inform the group of any developments. There is a website for the purple directory, identified on the rear of the directory itself. The PDAF website is also up to date and the ‘Notyourfault’ website is also being maintained. ‘To help prevent and reduce homelessness due to domestic abuse and to facilitate victims remaining safely in their homes should they choose to do so.’ MAR reported that she had been contacted by Adrian Jones, Supporting People Officer, regarding Santuary Schemes in Powys. None of those present were aware of any such schemes in Powys but RPW explained that the Bobby Van service is offered to all women experiencing domestic abuse that refer into RWA and other agencies in Powys. The Bobby Van will install window locks, change existing door locks, fit arson proof letterboxes, etc. The Police will also offer to fit alarms where appropriate. BW added that Victim Support are now offering such things as the fitting of an exterior security light for added safety. RPW also said that the Bobby Van had run out of the fake security camera units and would be grateful if anyone could source some more. A discussion took place around Tenancy Agreements and the question of whether tenants were signposted to the section highlighting domestic abuse. It was suggested that a flyer could be offered to the Council and Housing Associations for inclusion in the half yearly tenants magazine or an article included in the Red Kite. ‘To help reduce repeat victimisation and harm’ RPW felt that a great deal had been achieved in this area, much of which had been brought about by the implementation of the IDVA post. MS added that the improvements to the MARAC process were also significantly improving the repeat victimisation figures. However it was agreed that more work needed to be done around the accurate recording of Police incidents, and the information coming in from Health visitors and Mid wives. RPW emphasised that there was a big gap in service involving 16-18 year olds where incidents are regarded as Child Protection but the information they require is about adult DA services. RPW explained that RWA is dealing with these young people and finding that they are not accessing adequate benefits or the appropriate support. The young people are referring themselves to RWA and it should be Health and Police who are giving them the right information and referring them. BW felt that more information should be given out within the school/college environment. The Police School Liaison officers do deliver Healthy Relationships sessions but usually to the older age group and perhaps consideration should be given to delivering more sessions to the first year pupils too. MAR reported that she had met with Elin Jones of Tai Hafan who was now delivering Spectrum pack sessions into Brecon High and these were to the younger students. It was also hoped to deliver similar sessions into Welshpool High. ‘To ensure that all victims (regardless of their race, ethnic origin, language, gender, disability, age, sexuality, marital status, nationality or religion/belief) receive information regarding specialist support they may need and that diversity is reflected in any work undertaken.’ RPW felt that more information should be made available regarding Translation Services that are available. RWA had recently had a woman from Germany who had little English skills and they had called in BAWSO to help with an Asian referral. BW said that Victim Support did have staff in Cardiff that could speak various languages and were willing to help victims by telephone. BW also felt that there was a gap in the provision of support for same sex couples and those with disabilities where their partner/carer was also the abuser. It was agreed that more training was needed to make sure that Housing and Health staff could identify the needs of these people experiencing domestic abuse, but more specialist support services were also needed. ‘To promote and make accessible domestic abuse training for all professionals in order that they are able to identify domestic abuse, to signpost and make appropriate referrals.’ MAR had met with Christine Davis at the Powys County Council Training Department in Brecon and it was hoped that further funding could be made available to continue the PDAF Domestic Abuse training sessions. MAR also highlighted that fact that three DA training sessions had now been delivered to all magistrates in Powys and Ceredigion. It was hoped that this would be repeated next year to give existing magistrates a refresher and capture those magistrates new to the position. ‘To encourage employers to recognise domestic abuse as an issue so that victims are supported at work and to encourage organisations to have a domestic abuse policy and procedure.’ It was agreed that much needed to be done in this area. RPW asked whether the Powys County Council had a Domestic Abuse Policy – MAR stated that she had submitted a draft Policy to the department but that they were in the middle of a review. BW emphasised that a Domestic Abuse Policy would only be effective if adequate supervision procedures were adhered to. It was agreed that RPW should draw up a list of the main businesses in Powys in order to ask them to adopt a DA Policy.
3. Actions
MAR to distribute the Purple Directories to the main areas and further distribution to be done by the agencies where appropriate. MAR to liaise with Adrian Jones, Rob Powell and Dave Roffey around the issues raised in the meeting. MAR to liaise with the Police and Health around the recording of DA incidents, especially those involving 16-18 year olds. Also to contact Linda Jones, the Learning Coach at Brecon High, to investigate whether there could be more awareness raising with those students who were most vulnerable. MAR to raise the question of inequalities of service at the Confidence and Equalities meeting next week and to liaise with Geoff Newsome at Bronllys around same sex relationships. MAR to circulate the draft DA Policy, recently adopted by Pemrokeshire CC, for comments.
6. AOB
Margaret thanked all those present for attending and making such a valued contribution. The meeting closed at 12.00. The next meeting will be on Thursday, 16th July 2009 at Radnor Womens Aid Offices in Llandrindod Wells at 10 am.
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