Achieving better outcomes for victims of domestic abuse
Cabinet members have approved plans to change the way domestic abuse services are provided.
The new approach will lead to better outcomes for victims of domestic abuse and a more co-ordinated approach to support across the district.
Our aims for domestic abuse support are to reduce the symptoms of trauma, reduce the risk of harm, improve people’s access to services, ensure the system works in a joined-up way, and improve independence and wellbeing.
The proposals agreed by Cabinet are based on closer partnership working so that support is more tailored to the needs of victims and their families.
At the moment, we make one-off payments to outside organisations who provide domestic abuse support on our behalf. However, under the changes, organisations will be paid based on how much they improve people’s lives – a contract will be agreed with the Kirklees Better Outcomes Partnership, who will be paid when evidence is shown that the objectives have been met.
Cllr Mussarat Pervaiz, Cabinet member for Communities, said:
“Supporting victims of domestic abuse is incredibly important, not just for the victims themselves but also for the people around them.
“We look to reduce risk in the first instance and then offer support to respond to the impact. It’s vital to have a range of services that are accessible and available to all.
“Domestic abuse is the main reason that people report child protection concerns in Kirklees. Nationally, it’s the most common characteristic when children are at risk of serious harm.
“This approach has been successful in other places and improving our response to people affected by domestic abuse will maximise the positive impact for those who need it.”
The new approach to how services are commissioned will involve feedback from victims and community groups so that their personal experiences help to shape the support on offer.