Decision

(Report of the Chief Executive)

The report provided an overview of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s ongoing work to strengthen responses to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG) including progress towards the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) Accreditation and White Ribbon Accreditation. 

Members were advised that the work would help embed consistent, survivor-centred practice across Council services, improve staff awareness and partnership working, and support the Council’s statutory responsibilities relating to domestic abuse, homelessness, safeguarding and equalities.  Continued delivery would be overseen through the relevant operational and steering groups, with action plans used to monitor progress and support sustainable improvements across the organisation.

Members welcomed the work undertaken and highlighted the importance of engaging with local sports clubs and community organisations, particularly in relation to the White Ribbon campaign.  Reference was made to the positive role sports clubs could play in promoting awareness amongst young people and encouraging wider community support.  Members also requested that earlier notice be provided of community events and roadshows undertaken with Kent Police to enable councillors to help promote and support these activities.

Members noted that engagement with sports clubs was included within the action plan and it was confirmed that the Council would continue to work with Kent Police and seek to improve communications around future events.

Following consideration by the Communities and Environment Scrutiny Select Committee, the Cabinet Member for Community Services resolved that:

(1)        the progress made to date in strengthening Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s response to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG), including work undertaken towards Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) Accreditation and White Ribbon Accreditation, be noted; and

(2)        the continuation of DAHA Accreditation and White Ribbon Accreditation as recognised frameworks for improving policy, practice, staff awareness, partnership working and organisational accountability, be supported.