Issue - meetings

The committee received a presentation and verbal update on the revised draft of “Healthy Relationships for Stronger Communities Strategy”.  It was highlighted that the first strategy was launched in 2017, since then a lot of progress had been made which was highlighted throughout the revised strategy. The strategy for 2020-2023 was currently under review and out for consultation, the new version would be published during April 2020. 

It was noted that the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) Leadership Group had overseen the implementation of the strategy with various sub groups commissioned to undertake certain objectives and actions.

It was noted that partnership arrangements had been strengthened and work was on-going with local employers to help implement Domestic Abuse Policies in the workplace.  The Safe Leave Policy had been introduced to the council workforce and an awareness raising events for 150 frontline professionals had been held. 

A new service model had been agreed for Refuge and Community Support and the Communications and Engagement sub group were working with the Swansea Bay University Health Board on the new IRIS pilot, which included visiting local surgeries and speaking to health workers, this was an early intervention piece of work being rolled out.

Some of the key areas of progress made against each of the seven objectives in the original strategy included:-

1.        Communications and Engagement

To raise awareness of the following initiatives:-

Clare’s Law – a Police Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme that enabled people to find out from police if their partner had a history of domestic violence, this information could protect someone from being a victim of an attack.

Bright Sky - a free download mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.

Ask Angela - used in licensed premises and other venues to keep people safe from sexual assault by using a codename to ask for help if they were in danger or in an uncomfortable situation. Posters would be placed on the stall doors inside toilets of establishments where the campaign was being implemented. This was rolled out in Neath Port Talbot as part of white ribbon week and 250 licensing premises had been asked to register.

2.        Children and Young People

Well-being workshops had taken place in Bae Baglan Comprehensive School and Dwr-y-Felin Comprehensive School.  On completion of the workshops teachers at the school would take forward the training.  The workshop would be run in Cwm Brombil Comprehensive School this year.

The Crucial Crew initiative had been carried for all year 6 pupils moving onto secondary school, the workshop included a variety of safety messages including an age appropriate presentation on healthy relationships.

3.        Perpetrators

Officers explained that this work was still in progress as work was being undertaken to establish the correct perpetrator programme.  It was essential to ensure the programme worked before taking it forward. 

It was noted that a u-tube video which encouraged males to come  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2