Agenda and minutes

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests.

(a)  To agree the minutes from the meeting of Cabinet on 12^th October 2021

(b)  Matters arising

The minutes of the meeting held on 12^th October were agreed and signed as a true record.

Report of the Director of Public Health and Wellbeing

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive that sought approval of the Domestic Abuse Strategy refresh and action plan, which included provision of support for victims and their children in line with the duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and the extension of the current overarching Coventry Domestic Abuse Strategy to 2025. Appendices to the report provided the Needs Assessment – executive summary, key findings and recommendations; the Action Plan; and the Coventry Domestic Abuse Strategy 2018-2023: Addendum and Extension to 2025.

Domestic abuse was a manifestation of one-person (or persons) exerting power and control over an another with whom they shared a personal connection. Domestic abuse could take many forms including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, economic and emotional abuse. It also included honour-based violence, forced marriage, other culturally recognised forms of abuse and a range of controlling and coercive behaviours. Preventing harm from Domestic Abuse was a priority within Coventry and was a key measure within the One Coventry Plan. Coventry’s Domestic Abuse Strategy 2018 – 2023 outlined the city’s approach to addressing domestic abuse, including honour-based violence and forced marriage.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2021. The Act provided, for the first time, a statutory definition of domestic abuse and delivered a number of significant changes to improve the protection of victims within the community and the criminal justice system. Cabinet received a report in June 2021 (minute 4/21 referred) outlining the new duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Work on the new duties had commenced. A new statutory board, the “Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board” had been established. A needs assessment had been carried out, including extensive consultation with survivors, domestic abuse service providers and stakeholders. Recommendations had been reviewed within the context of the current Coventry Domestic Abuse Strategy and an action plan had been developed. New services for victims and their children had been commissioned.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet:

1)  Notes the findings and recommendations of the needs assessment.

2)  Acknowledges the findings of the needs assessment, Strategy refresh and action plan under the duties set out by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

3)  Approves the Strategy refresh and action plan which includes provision of support for victims and their children in line with the duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

4)  Approves the extension of the current overarching Coventry Domestic Abuse Strategy to 2025.

5)  Notes progress in commissioning support services for victims of domestic abuse and their children residing within safe accommodation to fulfil the functions of the Act using the grant of £849,930 in 2021/2022 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

6)  Requests that Council notes the report.

There are no outstanding issues

There were no outstanding issues.

There were no other items of public business.