Warwickshire Domestic Abuse Strategy
6 - Domestic Abuse Service Provision
6.1 Background
Warwickshire has traditionally provided a range of services for families experiencing domestic abuse and has continued to keep pace with the changing focus on responses whilst maintaining a strong support base for victims and their children.
6.2 Current Service Provision
Refuges
There are refuges for women and their children across the county, run by voluntary organisations, and in several cases funded by Supporting People. There is also a refuge specifically for Black, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BMER) women and children.
Warwickshire Domestic Violence Support Service (WDVSS)
WDVSS is the main voluntary agency providing advice, counselling and support to victims and their children. Housing related floating support, funded by Supporting People, is provided to victims of domestic abuse via WDVSS.
Victim Support
Victim Support provides advice and counselling to victims of domestic abuse across the county and is predominantly funded through government grants.
Domestic Abuse Counselling Service (DACS)
DACS provides counselling to victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Victim and Witnesses Information Partnership (VIP)
VIP was set up by Warwickshire Police to improve the experiences of victims and witnesses in their seven priority areas, including domestic abuse.
Warwickshire Probation
The Probation service delivers the government approved Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme (IDAP) for perpetrators convicted of relevant offences. Perpetrators are monitored for mandatory attendance on the programme.
Helpline and Outreach Support Service
Warwickshire County Council has provided funding for a pilot helpline number and outreach worker available county wide. Callers are signposted to appropriate service providers through the Council’s Customer Services Unit. Behind the helpline sits a WDVSS outreach worker who receives direct referrals from the helpline, other agencies, and victims. The outreach worker undertakes an initial risk assessment of the level of intervention required and refers on for support, refuge or other provision.
Sanctuary Scheme
This scheme was developed as a result of funding available from Government Office West Midlands, using a voluntary organisation, Coventry and Warwickshire Community Safety Scheme, to install security measures in a home, once the domestic abuse perpetrator has left the property. The family can then remain in their home instead of going to a refuge or becoming otherwise homeless. Long term funding for this scheme is being sought.
Specialist Domestic Violence Court
Warwickshire Specialist Domestic Violence Court (SDVC) started in October 2007, opening a fast track for perpetrators charged with domestic abuse offences. Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) are required alongside SDVCs in order to support victims through the judicial process. A tendering process to establish the IDVA service is underway.
Alcohol and Domestic Abuse
Area Based Grant supports the Swanswell Charitable Trust to deliver a service in the north of the county for victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse who have alcohol problems.
Domestic Abuse Social Workers
Two specialised social workers offer work with children and their parents around domestic abuse, its effect and consequences. Children’s services are committed to maintaining these specialised roles and closely monitor the service.
Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)
This initiative is designed to reduce the number of domestic abuse related homicides. The aim is to bring together agencies who work with families experiencing domestic abuse, to review cases referred to the conference, based on a risk indicator model and to provide a package of support to reduce the risk.
Download a copy of the Warwickshire Domestic Abuse Strategy here. |