To consider the attached report.

The Domestic Abuse Manager introduced the report that had been circulated with the agenda. The Committee informed of the work done to change the Council’s approach to domestic abuse from victim support to a service which looked to work with perpetrators to end the cycle of violence. The findings from the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) had been used to identify objectives for the service to achieve. One of the key elements identified through the JSAN was the need for robust protection from perpetrators.

The government had released funding for domestic abuse work with perpetrators which and Trafford successful bid for, which enabled them to hire an additional member of staff. The Domestic Abuse Manager then described the main elements of the programme to the Committee. Trafford also had funding from the Home Office focused on children and young people which enabled a full family approach to be taken.

The Domestic Abuse Manager informed the Committee that Trafford delivered services focused on Victims, Perpetrators, as well as Children and young people to ensure a holistic approach was taken. The Domestic Abuse Manager then provided statistics about the numbers involved in each element of the service. The introduction concluded with an overview of the funding listed within the report. A funding gap was expected post 2025 and the service would be using that time to assess the effectiveness of the programme.

Councillor Carr noted that a large saving would be achieved through the changes and stated that she though that it looked like a very good offer. Councillor Carr then asked how the service knew the new approach would be effective. The Domestic Abuse Manager responded that the approach was support by a large evidence base and Trafford would provide quarterly monitoring reports to ensure that the model delivered change and improvements expected.

Councillor Carr asked whether there was a risk that demand would outstrip supply. The Domestic Abuse Manager responded that the work they had received so far met the expected level of demand. However, the level of demand would continue to be monitor and resources would be adjusted to meet any increase detected.

Councillor Carr noted that there were many men who also suffered from domestic abuse and asked whether this was also being addressed through the programme. The Domestic Abuse Manager responded that a focus of the programme was to address domestic violence across genders and to address the barriers in accessing the services for different individuals.

Councillor Carr noted that it was a new and promising service and asked what was being done to increase awareness and the level of referrals for the service. The Domestic Abuse Manager responded that there was a workforce development element to the work and working with staff to help promote the service through their networks and there was also advertising through both digital and social media distributions.

Councillor Hartley asked whether it was known whether on the perpetrator programme whether it was physical or psychological abuse that was covered. The Domestic Abuse Manager answered that the Make a Change Programme was not working with the higher risk perpetrators, but that it did offer support for all the different forms of domestic abuse.

Councillor Hartley noted that a large amount of the funding was ringfenced for accommodation and asked whether that was due to the impacts of the pandemic or if it was likely to change. The Domestic Abuse Manager responded that it had been highlighted as a specific need within the JSNA, but it was ringfenced as councils had a duty to provide safe accommodation and the funding ensured Trafford could fulfil that duty. There had been an increase in demand nationally for all aspects of the service including the community-based services, which did lack dedicated funding. However, it was hoped that this position would change as the money was currently provided by external partners.

Councillor Blackburn asked how much time would be spent with perpetrators and victims on coercion control. The Domestic Abuse Manager answered that it was a multiple week programme ranging from 12 weeks to 27 weeks depending upon individual circumstances, which took coercion control into account.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.