Purpose

A 3 year strategy to support partners to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women and girls in Buckinghamshire; continuing a focus on supporting victims and survivors, tackling perpetrators through early intervention & prevention

Decision

The Buckinghamshire Domestic Abuse Board had drafted its Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls 2024-2027 Strategy and was seeking ratification through the Council’s internal governance processes. In England and Wales, 2.1 million people aged 16 years and over (1.4 million women and 751,000 men) experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2023. There were 11,648 unique incidents of violence against women and girls locally. In Buckinghamshire, the Domestic Abuse Board had drafted the Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy 2024-2027, designed to help victims feel comfortable to come forward, receive support tailored to them and enable them to break free of the abuse and lead healthier and happier lives. The Strategy was victim-focused to enable their voices to be heard and convey their realities in living with the abuse and also helped men who suffered from domestic abuse.

There were 3 strategic priorities that had been identified as a result of the stakeholder and victim consultation.

Priority 1- All victims of Domestic Abuse and VAWG get the help they need, the way they want, without barriers.

Priority 2- Perpetrators of domestic abuse and VAWG offences are prevented from causing further harm.

Priority 3- Domestic abuse and VAWG is tackled at the first opportunity or is stopped before it starts.

RESOLVED that the Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy 2024-2027 be APPROVED, for the management by the Domestic Abuse Partnership Board, governed by the Safer Buckinghamshire Board.