CC(3) DA13

Communities and Culture Committee

Scrutiny Inquiry : Domestic Abuse

Response from Caerphilly County Borough Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership and the Caerphilly Domestic Abuse Forum

1. What type of services/support does your agency/dept/directorate/policy area provide to victims of Domestic Abuse?

Safer Caerphilly Multi Agency Centre (MAC)

Gwent’s first one stop shop service developed for victims and their children affected by domestic abuse.  The Centre opened in February 2007.  The key partner agencies directly involved are Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership, Caerphilly Women’s Aid, Social Services, Victim Support, Gwent Police (C Division), BAWSO (Black Association of Women Step Out), Gwent Alcohol Project (GAP), Caerphilly Teaching Local Health Board, and Gwent Healthcare Trust. All agencies have staff either based or rotated to the services at the Centre who work in partnership to provide a service for all those affected by domestic abuse, including young people and children.

The development of services at the Centre has continued since its opening with a number of recent positive initiatives with the local and national press leading to an increase in the profile of the service thereby leading to an increase in referrals from agencies and self-referrals. The range of services provided by each agency or programme at the Centre has also increased with the dedicated specialist posts based at the Centre such as the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator, IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor), the Outreach Homelessness Prevention Officer, Victim Support Worker, Domestic Abuse/Substance Misuse Worker, and BAWSO (Black Association of Women Step Out) worker all of whom are reporting increases in their caseloads, enhanced communication enabling a swifter response to keeping victims and their children safe and delivering the services under one roof.  

All agencies continue to retain their own identify and continue to deliver their core work, yet work collaboratively to address domestic abuse. The service has developed to offer Drop-in for homelessness, weekly delivery of the Freedom Programme, the Survivors Group, Teenage Mothers Group, crèche (for group work) and for Midwifery delivery of core programmes e.g. postnatal groups, baby massage, etc

Domestic Abuse Forum

The Domestic Abuse Forum has always been active in the borough, which increased with the appointment of the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator in 2004.Part of the role of the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator is to co-ordinate all the work of the Forum. Membership of the Forum covers a wide range of agencies from both the statutory and voluntary sector, and is very well represented.

In 2005 the Forum produced its local three year Strategy for tackling Domestic Abuse, which mirrors the All Wales National Strategy, and the Forum has been working to three year Action Plan.  Key milestones achieved in the Action Plan include raising the profile of domestic abuse with agencies and the local communities (and keeping the profile high), the identification and mapping of the needs of victims and survivors of domestic abuse in the borough, the acquisition of funding from the National Assembly for Wales towards a building for the setting up of dedicated domestic abuse centre for multi agencies to work together under one roof - Safer Caerphilly MAC for victims and their children. Also the identification of the gaps in provision for BME and for children and young people, which has lead to the development of the Caerphilly Borough Safeguarding of Children and Young People Affected by Domestic Abuse Protocol (also shared with the All Wales LSCB sub group who are currently developing the all Wales version).  

Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator

Although the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator is based with the agencies within Safer Caerphilly MAC the focus of the role is mainly strategic and developmental. The Co-ordinator works in Caerphilly with the local for a, but also collaboratively with the Gwent Domestic Abuse Co-ordinators and the All Wales Co-ordinators in order to progress issues, projects, bids etc.

In addition the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator works as part of the Children’s Services and is part of the Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership Team, is a member of the of the LSCB training sub Group, and the SDVC Gwent Management Group.  There is monthly co-delivery of multi agency training funded by Social Services and delivered by the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator.

This has been undertaken for nearly 4 years and is always over subscribed.  A variety of other additional multi agency training is delivered through out the year in partnership or by the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator to different groups and focussing on different areas such as child protection, children and young people, BME issues, safety planning and assessment etc. Co-ordinated training is also carried out with other organisations such as the Police and the Health Service.

Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership (SCCSP)

SCCSP currently works to a three year Strategy in which domestic abuse is embedded as part of one the key themes, i.e. Crime Reduction.  The Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator works as part of the SCCSP and is the lead officer for crime reduction. The SCCSP monitors the action plan of the Caerphilly Domestic Abuse Forum, and links directly with the Leadership group in the borough where domestic abuse is a standard agenda item for every meeting (therefore keeping the Leadership Group informed of all developments and trends in statistics etc). SCCSP were proactive in the support and funding towards the setting up of Safer Caerphilly MAC and has also provided funding for the IDVA post based at the Centre. SCCP actively promotes the domestic abuse agenda throughout the borough by regular coordinating, and or participating in community events, publications, press releases etc.

Gwent Police

The force has dedicated Domestic Violence Officers (DVO’s) and Sectional Domestic Violence champions. Gwent Police operates a Domestic Violence policy and procedure and all officers are aware of the procedures that must be followed when they deal with a Domestic Violence related incident. Gwent Police also ensures that referrals are made to the relevant agencies such as Social Services, Women’s Aid etc. The Police take positive action and use the Risk Assessment Tool for all incidents.

Services, which work directly with young, people e.g. Youth Offending Team, Safeguarding Team (Education), Youth Service, Gwent Healthcare Trust, and NCH

All actively aim to signpost and provide general support. Historically there has been a wide programme for all agencies on child protection - including the effects and correlation of domestic abuse. In addition, all Midwives and Health Visitors in Gwent have been provided with training for the Antenatal Routine Enquiry and have also been undertaking the Care Pathway Plan with pregnant women.  They also sign post to services, as well as record and monitor cases across Caerphilly borough and are encouraged to sign post to Safer Caerphilly MAC.

For those Health Visitors and Midwives based in the Centre (Safer Caerphilly MAC) they liaise directly with the appropriate worker.  The Family Centres in the borough are proactive in delivering dedicated support and group work to vulnerable families and children, which include domestic abuse.

Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

The IDVA works with all "high risk cases” identified by the Police Risk Assessment Tool, and by the Safer Caerphilly MAC Risk Assessment Tool (CAADA model). They provide independent support throughout the Court process to clients and also any other support or access to services, resolution of issues etc as required by client.  Their role is pivotal to their clients and also to the court system.  The IDVA liaises with all agencies on the client’s behalf and has a very close, but independent working relationship with the DVO’s. Being based in Safer Caerphilly MAC allows the IDVA swift access to all agencies and where appropriate facilities’ co-working for the benefit of the client.

The IDVA is CAADA (Co-ordinated Action against Domestic Abuse) trained and qualified, and works closely with the other IDVAs in Gwent who work in the Gwent Specialist Domestic Violence Courts.

Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVC’s)

Caerphilly borough was one of the first areas of two to set up a SDVC as a result of being chosen to participate in a national pilot 4 years ago.  Following a positive evaluation the UK has seen the roll out of SDVC’s along with the IDVA posts dedicated to providing independent support for victims throughout the court process.  There are IDVAS across all of Gwent (4) including Caerphilly. The SDVCs are overseen by the Gwent SDVC Management Group, which comprises key strategic members including the Gwent Domestic Abuse Co-ordinators.

Gwent Bobby Van Scheme

The Gwent Bobby Van Scheme is a Charitable Trust, which operates across Gwent providing target hardening and assessments for vulnerable people including those affected by domestic abuse. Agencies in Caerphilly borough use this service widely for domestic abuse clients.  The Bobby Van Staff have had domestic abuse awareness training and aim to respond to high-risk domestic abuse cases within 24hours. They are widely utilised and valued in Caerphilly borough.

Caerphilly Teaching Local Health Board

Caerphilly Teaching Local Health Board jointly funds services with Caerphilly Local Authority, Gwent Police and Caerphilly Women’s Aid Refuge services.  It also is a partner agency within Safer Caerphilly MAC and has key strategic staff based within the Centre (including the Child Protection/ POVA Co-ordinator) and supports Gwent Healthcare Trust (for Midwives and Health Visitors at the Centre)

Children’s Services

Children’s Services have been collating data on the correlation between domestic abuse and child protection since 2005 and are very aware of the prevalence in many of the child protection cases. All child protection cases are referred to the Contact and Referral Team.  Children’s Services oversee the initial and core assessments, Section 47 enquiries, Section 17 child in need support.  Children’s Services provide a contribution towards the salary of the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator and are currently progressing the development of a Domestic Abuse Screening Officer post as part of the Contact and Referral Team to work in partnership with Safer Caerphilly MAC.

Key work is also undertaken by the borough’s three Family Centres (one of which is run by NCH). All are proactive in running Pattern Changing Groups (for Domestic Abuse) and work directly with children and parents where domestic abuse is present. One Family Centre has been piloting a Pattern Changing course for Perpetrators.

Caerphilly borough was one of the first local authorities in South West Wales to develop a Work Place Policy for Domestic Abuse, which has been in operation since 2006.

Social Services

Social Services has a dedicated team and out of hours service to support vulnerable adults. Domestic abuse cases are becoming more prominent and some are referred to POVA (Protection of Vulnerable Adults) for assessment and planning. (Children’s Services are part of Social Services)

Social Services actively refer clients to the front agencies working in the field of domestic abuse.

CAFCASS

CAFCASS provides a key service for children and young people aged 0 - 18 within the Court process (public and private law). They are currently piloting tool kits aimed at identifying the effects of domestic abuse and identifying parental conflict. They liaise with all services and agencies in the borough as appropriate.

Gwent Probation Service

The Probation Service has Women Safety Workers who work with victims if the abuser has been sentenced to the Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme (IDAP). Women Safety Workers contribute to promoting women’s safety by supporting women to construct safety plans, referring them to local women’s services, providing information about IDAP and contributing to the risk management of the offender. The Women’s Safety Workers access Safer Caerphilly MAC resources and its workers and also refer their clients for additional services as appropriate.

Victim Liaison Officers (VLO’S) also work with victims of domestic abuse if the offender has been sentenced to 12 months or more in custody for a violent or sexual offence. VLO’s provide help and support and give clients information about the offender throughout their sentence. This may involve helping them to prepare for the offenders release, referring to other agencies and helping with safety measures.

Victim Support  

Victim Support provides emotional and practical support, home visiting and support at Court. They receive referrals mostly from the Police following incidents reported.  They are partner agencies in Safer Caerphilly MAC and their dedicated worker works with male victims and low risk victims as identified from the Safer Caerphilly MAC Risk Assessment Tool (CAADA model).

Gwent Alcohol Project

Gwent Alcohol Project provides counselling for clients with substance misuse.  This also includes adult victims of domestic abuse who have alcohol concerns themselves, (GAP) counselling for adults and 11-18 yr olds who have concerns around family, partners or friends drug and alcohol use (DAFS & FUSION).

The counselling approach involves exploration of the impact of substance misuse on all aspects of the client’s life including relationships and may help to build motivation for the victim to access services such as Safer Caerphilly MAC, Women’s Aid and/or the Freedom programme.

At Safer Caerphilly MAC there is a dedicated Domestic Abuse Substance Misuse Worker whose role is to provide assessments, brief intervention and support to access appropriate substance misuse services in Caerphilly and work in partnership with the other agencies in the MAC e.g. IDVA, BAWSO and Caerphilly Women’s Aid.

BAWSO

BAWSO provides secure temporary accommodation and support to BME Women and children made homeless or about to be made homeless through domestic violence in Wales. They have the provision to accommodate 34 families at any one time across Wales. At the same time they provide an Outreach project that supports BME women and children who are not in the position to move out of their houses for different reasons but that are victims of domestic abuse.

BAWSO is a partner in Safer Caerphilly MAC and provides a dedicated worker to work closely with the other agencies in the Centre and works collaboratively to raise the profile of domestic abuse and its effects and complexity in the BME context.

Caerphilly Women’s Aid

Caerphilly Women’s Aid has four refuges in the borough. They also provide an Outreach provision via their Floating Support Service, which also includes a dedicated Child Worker providing support for both women and children in their own community. They also offer an advice centre, and are proactive in awareness presentations at schools, colleges and for local businesses.

Caerphilly Women’s Aid is a partner in Safer Caerphilly MAC and runs the weekly Freedom Programme in the Centre.  Key staff are based at the Centre, namely the Community Support Manager (who oversees the Floating Support), the Child Care Worker, and the Outreach Homelessness Prevention Worker whose role in particular works very closely with the front line agencies in the Centre.

Sexual Assault Referral clinics (SARC)

The SARC is based within the Caerphilly borough providing a resource for Gwent.  Agencies access/refer as appropriate.

2. What types of preventative work, if any, does your dept/directorate/policy area undertake in relation to Domestic Abuse?

Caerphilly Domestic Abuse Forum’s three year Strategy and Action Plan, includes one of the three core aims to undertake preventative work with children and young people.  The Forum has actively engaged with the Young People’s Forum in order to develop local information in young people’s language for the Welsh Assembly Government supported website for domestic abuse service (notyourfault.com).

There has also been proactive work undertaken by Forum members contributing to the school curriculum and also the delivery of awareness raising sessions for teachers during the twilights hours.  The Forum and additional practitioners within the borough from the Youth Services and Health has also supported the delivery and publication and publicity of the Lizards Tale and the Safer Relationships Programme - a preventative programme for young people, that will be referred to later.  

The SCCSP also made a funding contribution towards wristbands with the All Wales Domestic Abuse Helpline number on is which was distributed amongst children during the Gwent Theatre production, and also towards the printing costs of the Safer Relationships packs. There is a continuous drive to raise the profile of domestic abuse issues in the borough and signposting to local and national support for all ages. Domestic abuse features in all SCCCP publicity, community events and road shows etc.

The Forum has led on the Safeguarding Children and Young People Protocol for those children affected by domestic abuse that has now been endorsed by the Caerphilly LSCB. The roll out of the protocol is currently being planned by the LSCB Publicity Sub Group. In the meantime the protocol was presented to the All Wales Working Group for Domestic Abuse in March 2008, and was acknowledged as an example of good practice. It has also been put forward to the All Wales LSCB Sub Group that is currently developing an All Wales version.

Gwent Police has undertaken a number of preventative operations in relation to domestic violence, especially during the RBS Six Nations Rugby tournament and other high profile sporting occasions. These patrols have taken the shape of targeted intervention at repeat victims addresses, publicity and swift action when an incident is reported. Where high-risk victims are identified, intelligence packages are sent to Sectional Inspectors for action by local neighbourhood Policing teams. The DV officers along with the IDVA are able to provide advice and guidance to victims and their families.

Gwent Police also directly contributes to the school curriculum for all the schools in Caerphilly Borough through their Police Liaison Officers who deliver sessions on domestic abuse and keeping safe. Additionally through the Domestic Abuse Forums and the Safeguarding Boards, Gwent Police is able to provide support to victims and their families through a partnership approach.

The Youth Offending Team work with young men and women on relationships, gender issues etc. as part of their programmes and domestic abuse may feature in some programmes if appropriate.

Although there is no direct contact with victims of Domestic Abuse, Caerphilly Teaching Local Health Board provides Child Protection Training up to Level 2 directly to Local Health Board Members and employees, GPs, Optometrists, Dentists, Pharmacists and their Practice Staff which raises awareness of Domestic Abuse, the impact on children and contact details of services that support victims of Domestic Abuse.

Caerphilly Teaching Local Health Board has provided and supported Multi-agency Domestic Abuse training at Level 3 for the GPs of Caerphilly County Borough and in partnership with the Domestic Abuse Coordinator has also participated in the delivery of LSCB Domestic Abuse Training. LSCB Domestic Abuse Training is also offered to GPs, Optometrists, Dentists, Pharmacists and their Practice Staff.

Since 2006 all Health Visitors and Midwives in Gwent Healthcare Trust have been delivering the Care Pathway plan for domestic abuse, which focuses on the Antenatal Routine Enquiry on domestic abuse.

Members of the Safeguarding Team (education) alongside members from the Youth Service, Health, Youth Offending Team, Women’s Aid, NCH and the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator have worked collaboratively across Gwent to develop a Safer Relationships Programme for Schools, youth clubs, YOS etc.  This project was led by Torfaen following a successful bid for funding from Gwent wide groups.

The Gwent Safer Relationships Programme has also been complemented by The Gwent Theatre Production called "The Lizards Tale” for schools and youth groups across Gwent that was completed last autumn and was evaluated as a great success making much impact with both pupils and teachers.  

The Safer Relationships packs were developed to follow on from these interactive awareness raising theatre productions. They are currently being distributed and will not only be a preventative tool kit that teachers/group workers can use but will also facilitate the education curriculum as part of work currently done in PHSE at KS/4 and some at KS1/2.

When working with children, young people and their families the focus of Children’s Services is always on preventing harm occurring, however usually by the time families are referred to Children’s Services incidents of domestic abuse have already occurred so the focus becomes the reduction of harm.  There has been a wide remit of child protection training with all agencies in the borough, including the correlation between child protection and domestic abuse.

The Family Centres in the borough focus on preventative work such as the Safer Relationships Packs, Young Mums Project 14-19, Innovate (working with young people not in education and training).  There are also Youth Mentors assigned to all schools in the borough. The Pattern Changing groups are regularly run in the Centres and the Freedom Programme, and Survivors Group are run at Safer Caerphilly MAC.

All frontline agencies such as Caerphilly Women’s Aid, BAWSO, GAP, Victim Support, and Gwent Police provide programmes or access training for staff on domestic abuse awareness. In addition the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator undertakes monthly awareness training for agencies, presentations and workshops.

3. Are there any specific initiatives aimed at different groups of people e.g. women, men, children and young people, older people, people from BME communities, disabled people etc?

As previously mentioned, at Safer Caerphilly MAC two groups have been established:  the Freedom Programme (for women who are in abusive relationships/thinking of leaving etc) operated at the Centre and run by Caerphilly Women’s Aid, with, on average, 20 attendees and a waiting list for places and; the newly set up Survivors Group (for Survivors of domestic abuse to provide ongoing supporting and networking). This Group is going from strength to strength and plans for future services are also being considered within current capacity.  A Crèches is also provided for these groups. There is also a Teen Mothers group run by Midwives (and if domestic abuse is identified the services are already in the building to provide support).

Safer Caerphilly MAC has recently gained an additional team member - the Domestic Abuse/Substance Misuse Worker. This is a part-time post made possible by a successful bid by the Community Safety Partnership for Substance Misuse Funding.  Evidence for the post was presented via local statistics and concerns, which indicated the high correlation between substance misuse (and in particular alcohol) and domestic abuse.

A Steering Group has been set up to oversee the post and explore further funding for the post to continue.

The current worker is seconded from GAP (Gwent Alcohol Project) and the role has extended the services available at Safer Caerphilly MAC, not only for adult victims, but also for children and young people. The role also builds upon other work relating to domestic abuse and substance misuse undertaken in partnership with GAP.

Publicity via the local press has resulted in approaches from further volunteers who have undergone in- house assessment and training by Caerphilly Women’s Aid/BAWSO/Victim Support.  Some volunteers are survivors of domestic abuse.

BAWSO provide their Personal Development for Service Users - to help women to empower themselves through different organised trainings sessions and activities and to expand their expectations in order to improve their quality of life and future prospects.

Gwent Police facilitates their preventative work via the Safeguarding Boards where they are able to address domestic abuse with children and other youth groups. Direct work is delivered by dedicated School Liaison Officers with children around Domestic Violence issues and is embedded within the school curriculum.

The Caerphilly Teaching Local Health Board jointly funds the Safer Caerphilly Multi Agency Centre service which also provides services for Victims of Domestic Abuse from BME Communities through BAWSO accessing the facilities of the above service. This service is also available to disabled victims, substance misusers, and male victims. This has provided the opportunity to raise awareness of issues for these groups and provide training opportunities for the wider services.

Gwent Probation runs the Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme (IDAP) which is specifically designed to work with male perpetrators of domestic abuse.  The Women’s Safety Unit works works directly with the partners of these males.

4. How do your agency/ dept/directorate/policy area work with other agencies in terms of providing services/support to victims and/or undertaking preventative work?

Safer Caerphilly Multi Agency Centre (MAC)

Caerphilly borough has highlighted particularly how swiftly and how well agencies can come together and work in partnership in the field of domestic abuse.  

The "One stop shop” style of service provision of Safer Caerphilly MAC is designed to facilitate the provision of help and support to those affected by domestic abuse, including their children.  The concept that key front line agencies work together under the same roof each delivering their own specialist service is never more evident than at the Centre where a number of agencies and key individuals are based: - The Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator, the IDVA, Women’s Aid Outreach Floating Support Services, the Outreach Homelessness Prevention Officer, with rotated services provided by BAWSO, Victim Support, GAP and the Police.  Additional agencies based at the MAC also include the local Midwives, Health Visitors, and members of the Caerphilly Teaching Local Health Board.

In practice this means that Safer Caerphilly MAC risk assesses all referrals as well as providing face to face and non face to face support for all those referred.  In addition Caerphilly Women’s Aid provides a drop in provision for homelessness prevention at the Centre, as well as the Freedom Programme and the Survivors Group. Midwives deliver their community based services such as Young Mothers Group, pre and postnatal groups, etc.

There is a continued development of services according to need and resources available. Safer Caerphilly MAC is a service for adult victims of domestic abuse and their children and young people. Risk Assessment and Safety Planning is undertaken with all referrals using the nationally recognised CAADA model.

Gwent Police are fully committed to partnership working with regards to providing a holistic approach to victims of domestic abuse. They are partners in Safer Caerphilly MAC, work closely with the Domestic abuse Co-ordinator, IDVA, Women’s Aid, Victim Support, and Witness Care.  They are the leads on the MARAC process, which is due to commence shortly.

All front-line agencies in the borough are proactive in multi agency working in cases of domestic abuse. E.g. Gwent Probation Service’s Women Safety Workers and Victim Liaison Officers work with other agencies to promote the safety of female victims of domestic abuse (though only when and offence has happened i.e. when and offender has been sentenced), Victim Support also liaise with the MAC, Courts, Witness Care etc. BAWSO and Caerphilly Women’s Aid deal with numerous agencies including local authority i.e. Supporting People, Housing, Social Services, and Housing/Tenancy etc.

Caerphilly Women’s Aid in particular is very proactive in preventing Homelessness through their Outreach Homelessness Prevention Worker based at Safer Caerphilly MAC who also co-ordinates a tenancy exchange.

The Caerphilly Safeguarding Children and Affected by Domestic Abuse was written with multi agency involvement and support.  It provides guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of all agencies under the All Wales LSCB and how it translates on a local level. The Caerphilly LSCB Board provides domestic abuse awareness training and strategic links with Community Safety Partnership and Domestic Abuse Forum.

5. What do you think your dept/directorate/policy area does well in terms of providing support/services to victims of Domestic Abuse and/or undertaking preventative work and why?

Safer Caerphilly MAC provides an immediately available specialist service of workers to those clients reporting domestic abuse, a service ranging from crisis intervention and ongoing need, the promotion and facilitation of partnership working and communication between all referring agencies, thereby providing a more efficient and effective co-ordinated service thus providing a better service to the client, streamlined access to other appropriate services as identified by the needs of the client with the target time of one working day for onward referral, an assessment of the family needs/ crisis where children are involved and have been identified as requiring intervention.

All frontline staff in Safer Caerphilly MAC retain their identities and professionalism whilst working with clients and there is a clear recognition of the services another agency can offer and a clear indication of partnership working for the benefits of the client and any children involved.  They also continue to operate in their own right outside the Centre with organisations such as BAWSO and Caerphilly Women’s Aid offering swift access to refuges spaces and crisis intervention.

BAWSO is currently raising awareness on Violence against Women as the only BME women’s aid in Wales undertaking pioneering work and research on Female Genital Mutilation, Honour Killing, Prostitution and Trafficking and Women with No Recourse to Public Funds.

Both BAWSO and Caerphilly Women’s Aid are proactive in promoting women’s rights and women’s choices and provide programmes of education and social skills to empower women to take control of their lives.

Gwent Police provides a high standard of service to victims of domestic violence from the initial call and attendance of the first officer through to the support of the victim through the Criminal Justice process. The joined up approach with partners is one that is effective in supporting victims.

Gwent Police deals positively with domestic violence cases and the emphasis is on arrest and the protection of the victim and the family. C Division has a well-established DV Team both in Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent. They are dedicated on a full time basis to provide the best possible support to domestic abuse victims.

Caerphilly Teaching Local Health Board supports and works in partnership through commissioning and joint funding of the Safer Caerphilly Multi Agency Centre service, planning and supporting local initiatives, membership of the local Domestic Abuse Forum, LSCB, LSCB Subgroups and training on a multi-agency basis. Preventative work is provided directly through the programme of level 2 Child Protection training provided to Local Health Board Members, employees, GPs Optometrists, Dentists, Pharmacists and their Practice Staff which raises awareness of Domestic Abuse, the impact on children and contact details of services which support victims of Domestic Abuse.

Working in partnership with other agencies to address the local need of Victims of Domestic abuse has been a crucial part of the process to take forward initiatives to protect and support victims and their children and without joint funding and commissioning of local services, this process would be difficult to achieve and leave victims and their children very vulnerable and at risk of harm.

There is a good partnership approach between the LSCB, The Domestic Abuse Forum and the SCCP in raising awareness of domestic abuse issues in the borough and amongst agencies and members of the community.

Due to the amount of awareness raising that has been undertaken many agencies now feel that they are able to identify domestic abuse issues sooner: e.g. Youth Offending Team are more able to identify when young people are abusive and begin working with them to alter behaviour at an early stage, the Safeguarding Team are able to identify or advise on pupil behaviour which may relate to domestic abuse, GAP are able to recognise and explore domestic abuse with their clients.

Training and awareness within Social Services has led to an awareness of the harmful impact of domestic abuse on children has increased and therefore the assessments we undertake are better informed.  In Children’s Services there is a senior management commitment to reducing and preventing the harmful impact of domestic abuse.  Access to support, advice and sign posting to other services e.g. Women’s Aid, Caerphilly MAC is made via the Contact and Referral Team.  Close work is undertaken with other professionals to identify likely harm at an early stage so that intervention can reduce this likelihood.  Gwent Police refer all incidents of domestic abuse to Children’s Services if a child is known to be living in the household.

Overall all agencies in Caerphilly feel they do well with multi agency working, but there is always an ongoing need for improvements and development.

6. What are the difficulties/challenges for your dept/directorate/policy area in terms of providing support/services to victims of Domestic Abuse and/or undertaking preventative work and why?

Here is a list provided by the multi agencies who work with domestic abuse and children:

Safer Caerphilly MAC - Funding to develop services. The grant from the Welsh Assembly Government provided initial start up costs for renting the building, with a contribution towards furniture from SCCP. The only other funding currently provided is from all partner agencies who contribute towards the running costs.

Administrative support and day-to-day management (no successful funding gained to date). Currently the day-to-day management falls to the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator (whose core work should be focussing on strategic developments) and the administration is currently falling to each partner agency.  Working together in a one stop shop has immensely increased everyone’s workload but not attracted any additional resources to cope. Therefore developments on the publicity of the Centre and its growth have currently been put on hold until these gaps are filled due to current agencies workload capacity.

Lack of places on the IDAP for male offenders.  Some offenders are waiting up to 2years after sentencing to get a place. Also the way the IDAP system requires perpetrators to sign for the programme - where some have not signed and yet have not been returned to court for sentencing.

Funding is needed for non-mandatory perpetrator programmes to be delivered locally (ideally across Gwent) including the provision of Women’s Safety Workers.

Caerphilly Domestic Abuse Forum has mapped out a huge deficit in the services for children and young people.  There has been an on going search for specialist workers dedicated to children and young people via Safer Caerphilly MAC - as referrals are currently being received with no dedicated children/young people’s service.

Young Peoples Perpetrator Programmes are also needed for YOT and for those young people not known to YOT. Abusive behaviour of young people under 18 is not recognised by parents who find it difficult to admit that their children are being abusive to them, and are controlling them

Unclear guidelines/procedures from local authorities for example when dealing with a woman with no recourse to public funds as well as a lack of understanding of cultural and religious BME issues.

Recourse to public funds is a major barrier for BME referrals or direct referrals to BAWSO. Where there are children involved this is also a child protection issue. It is also important to make all agencies aware of the cultural issues of the different cases in order to make the victim and her children safe and provide a service.

Lack of services and provision for children and young people, including counselling

Lack of preventative work undertaken in Primary schools

Lack of counselling services for women suffering sexual abuse

Lack of rehabilitation services for women suffering Alcohol and substances misuse

Lack of support for women who are self harming.

Alcohol and substance misuse plays a significant part in incidents and that is where the main challenges ahead are seen. A Substance Misuse Worker has been introduced within the MAC. This individual has been able to deal with victims and their families and from the feedback available it is clear that there is a distinct need for this type of intervention.

Lack of provision or groups to help victims recover from stress, mental health and begin parenting

Non- Mandatory Perpetrator Programmes are urgently needed

High volume of referrals received for child protection and domestic abuse - particularly from Police (due to their number of call outs). This puts a strain on existing resources, although a new process at Contact and Referral point should enable an appropriate and safe response whilst also managing the volume.  Some difficulties have also been experienced in the quality of referrals from Police e.g. scant details of the incident, no history of domestic abuse included no information about what action the Police have taken no safe number on which to contact the person who has been abused.  There is also some lack of understanding amongst professionals of the complex issues involved in domestic abuse.

CJ SSS - has had a negative impact on the SDVC system which affects the improved service the client received before CJ SSS was introduced

Probation Services - difficulties faced by Women Safety Workers are that they only work with victims if the abuser has been sentenced to IDAP. This doesn’t allow support for other victims whose abuser has been sentenced to something different. There are also difficulties with funding which doesn’t allow staff to work to full potential with victims

There is a lack of information regarding victims that Victim Support is required to contact at time of incident

Lack of resources -Extra capacity in GAP & Fusion is required to provide counselling and support to this client group. Funding to provide a rolling programme of training for our staff to ensure that they have up to date knowledge and skills to identify and work with domestic abuse

Housing - Although domestic abuse cases of homelessness are a priority there are other competing vulnerable groups and not enough housing stock to meet need or demand

Lack of resources and funding to address the wider agendas for Sexual violence, Honour Killings, Forced Marriages, and male victims.

7.  What processes for monitoring and evaluating outcomes are in place?

Safer Caerphilly Multi Agency Centre (MAC)

Safer Caerphilly MAC is monitored via the Strategic Management Group, the Domestic Abuse Forum, which is then monitored on the achievement of their Action Plan by the SCCSP. All individual agencies and individuals use their own internal monitoring and evaluation systems.

The IDVA is monitored by the SCCSP and the Gwent SDVC Management Group, evaluated by the Home Office.  

Victim Support provides regular supervision and training needs assessments for our volunteers. Record keeping, performance management statistics

The Substance Misuse Coordinator is using the ORS/SRS outcome-monitoring tool with all clients. This tool has been piloted in various areas the organisation with excellent results and when resources permit it is intended to introduce this across the whole service.

BAWSO has developed the "BAWSO monitoring outcomes” for   service users. This tool will record the "journey” of a service user     when she is being supported by BAWSO. At present staff are being trained and a database has been implemented. Caerphilly Women’s Aid collates weekly statistical information, which is made available as appropriate.

Gwent Police produces a monthly performance report on domestic violence incidents and is in the process of trying to capture the arrest rate and the conviction rate at Court. They are also trying to identify the gaps so that improvements can be made. Victim surveys are vital to assessing the effectiveness of the domestic violence policies they have in force to ensure that the needs of the victims are met. The Police share their data as appropriate.

The Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator is monitored by the Domestic Abuse Forum, CSCCP, WAG and Home Office. The Domestic Abuse Coordinator collates information and data and presents this to the Domestic Forum, LSCB and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Children who are subject to a Child Protection Plan have review conferences at a minimum of three monthly intervals and child in need plans are also reviewed at three monthly intervals.  In the periods between review conferences core groups meet to develop and review the child protection plan also.  Children who are Looked After by the Local Authority have Looked after Review meetings at regular intervals.  At Contact and Referral point a referral is assessed and reviewed in the context of any history of involvement.

The effectiveness of IDAP is being evaluated nationally, which will include the contact victims have with women safety workers

CAFCASS undertake monthly auditing and sampling with all domestic abuse cases (private and public law)

All agencies who work with groups covering domestic abuse use client/ service user evaluations.

8. Are there any other comments that you would like to make with regards to the role of local authorities in relation to Domestic Abuse?

The local authorities are essential in dealing with domestic violence. The Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator pulls together the various agencies and provides a point of contact for all agencies. The role of the IDVA is also essential in providing vital support to the victim and assisting them through the court process.  No agency can deal with domestic violence in isolation and there is a continuing need for joint working to allow victims of domestic abuse to receive the best possible service. (Gwent Police)

Caerphilly County Borough Council is very proactive and is continually working towards moving services forward for both victims and their children (Caerphilly Teaching Local Health Board)

There has been significant progress but many difficulties remain at the 'chalk face’ i.e. school / youth centre etc (Safeguarding Team - Education)

There needs to be more support from Local Authorities in relation to housing needs for victims of domestic violence (Victim Support)

Safer Caerphilly MAC is making excellent progress in partnership working to support victims of domestic violence and the appointment of the Substance Misuse Coordinator has provided an opportunity to address the relationship between substance misuse and domestic abuse from a victim’s perspective. To complement this excellent work behaviour change programmes, which are voluntary and easily accessible for perpetrators of domestic abuse, should be considered, in addition to the Probation service IDAP programme. This is particularly important for clients whose domestic abuse is connected to substance misuse. Many of our male alcohol clients request opportunities to not be abusive in relationships. (Gwent Alcohol Project)

We welcomed the opportunity to share the positive multi agency working and developments in Caerphilly borough and also the challenges and difficulties in our work in making a difference to those affected by domestic abuse in borough, male, female and children and young people.

(Safer Caerphilly community Safety Partnership, Caerphilly Domestic Abuse Forum, Safer Caerphilly Multi Agency Centre)

Lynne Bosanko-Williams
Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator
Caerphilly

1^st May 2008