The Assistant Director for Early Help and Prevention introduced the report of the Director of Children, Families and Education which provided an update on the progress made by Wirral’s Domestic Abuse Alliance in delivering the Domestic Abuse No Excuse strategy and presented the Annual Report, a narrative from the frontline, on the positive impact the strategy was having.

Members were advised on the detail of the early intervention programme which had received funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner to deliver a range of services including the domestic abuse programme. The Chair of the Wirral Domestic Abuse Alliance detailed the work of the alliance which had involved a significant level of coproduction with survivors to produce the Domestic Abuse Strategy, which had brought about a number of positive changes including support for survivors navigating the child protection order process which they had identified as an issue, and the opening of the lighthouse centre for victims of domestic abuse. Further detail was provided on the ‘Drive’ programme which involved working with perpetrators of domestic abuse, where it was reported that work was ongoing with 51 perpetrators which it was hoped would have a positive impact on 56 associated victims and 108 associated children.

There was endorsement of the work of the Domestic Abuse Alliance from all members. Further information was sought on the investment into trauma enforcement practices in the workforce, where it was outlined that casework was ongoing to better understand those experiencing trauma and the impact it had on their ability to engage with and access services, the outcomes from which the Committee sought feedback on. It was noted that the three newly appointed Domestic Abuse Family Advocates had experience of domestic abuse through mentorship, volunteering or lived experience which provided an important, non-judgemental support for families.

Resolved – That

(1)  the progress made by Wirral’s Domestic Abuse Alliance in the first of its 5-year strategy be noted and endorsed.

(2)  the Domestic Abuse Annual Report be noted and endorsed.