Domestic abuse strategy being drawn up

Deputy Rob Prow told a public hearing organised by the Scrutiny Management Committee that a new domestic abuse strategy was being drawn up, and it would not be delayed by the over-arching justice review.

The strategy will include the setting up of a sexual assault referral centre, which is a specialist facility where recent victims of rape or sexual assault can receive immediate help and support.

This includes access to a forensic medical examination, and the opportunity to speak to the police about what has happened if the person wishes.

Deputy Prow said the strategy will also encompass outreach services and work with perpetrators.

Underpinning the strategy is a desire to change the culture around domestic abuse, so that expressions like ‘just a domestic’ are consigned to history.

Home Affairs has asked for extra money to bring the strategy into reality, because it has recognised that its ambitions can not be achieved within its business as usual funding.

Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Yvonne Burford, the president of Scrutiny Management, was satisfied to hear that progress was being made.

‘I was pleased for the confirmation today from Deputy Prow that the domestic abuse strategy will be coming as a separate policy letter and it’s pretty much drafted, so hopefully we can see that very soon after the debate on the Government Work Plan, and that should contain improvements to the current strategy which Deputy Prow did say was underfunded.

‘It would be very positive if we could be debating that and the funding for it, I would hope well before the end of this year.’