- Publication detail
-
This Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) aims to provide an understanding of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) across Warwickshire. This JSNA presents an in-depth analysis of the national and local picture of DVA to assist partners with the ongoing development of their response to DVA in Warwickshire. In particular, it aims to inform the review and recommissioning of Warwickshire’s specialist DVA accommodation and support service in 2020/2021. This document is focused primarily on those aged 16 and over.
However, support for children and young people, is referenced within the report. It aims to inform the ongoing development of Warwickshire’s response to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), will assist with preparations for responding to the Domestic Abuse Bill and, will support, the recommissioning of the county’s specialist DVA support services.
Read the Warwickshire’s Domestic Violence and Abuse JSNA (PDF, 2.4MB)
- Executive summary
-
This needs assessment presents an in-depth analysis of the national and local picture of domestic violence and abuse (DVA). It aims to inform the ongoing development of Warwickshire’s response to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), will assist with preparations for responding to the Domestic Abuse Bill and, will support, the re-commissioning of the county’s specialist DVA support services.
Whilst we recognise that DVA is experienced across society, the data presented in the needs assessment tends to reflect the needs and experiences of white, heterosexual women, as this is the group that most often present to services. This means that the experiences of people from LGBTQ communities, those with a Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) background and male victims are not presented here in as much detail as we would like. We have sought to address this imbalance by commissioning separate research with these communities and have included this where possible.
Summary of DVA in Warwickshire
- There were an estimated 23,500 cases of DVA in 2019/20 in adults aged between 16 – 74 years.
- This is made up of approximately 15,600 females and 7,800 males.
- In 2019/20, Warwickshire’s Domestic Violence Support Service provided short-term support, long-term support or refuge accommodation to 806 people in Warwickshire. This means that roughly 3.4% of the estimated need for DVA services is currently being met.
- Nuneaton & Bedworth borough has a higher rate of DVA offences (13.29 per 1,000 people) compared to the other four boroughs, whilst Stratford-on-Avon has the lowest rate (7.36 per 1,000 people).
- Between 30-40% of victims in Warwickshire in 2019/20 have experienced DVA multiple times.
- Referrals to DVA services were lower in 2019/20 compared to 2017/18 and 2018/19.
- There was a sharp rise in victims of repeat DVA since April 2020. This coincided with lockdown restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- For the vast majority of DVA offences (roughly 11,000) no action is taken because the victim didn’t want to pursue it, despite having evidence and a named suspect. This suggests that two thirds of DVA perpetrators in Warwickshire are not being brought to justice.
- The police refer the largest proportion of people to the IDVA service in Warwickshire, with the second-highest proportion being self-referrals.
The Warwickshire Domestic Violence and Abuse JSNA contains the following sections.
Introduction
- Definition of domestic violence and abuse
- Domestic Abuse Bill 2022
National picture
- Overview of prevalence
- Impact of DVA on physical and mental health
- Risk factors
- Risk of homicide
- Economic impact
- Calls to national helplines
- National COVID-19 impact
Warwickshire picture
-
Estimated local prevalence
- Domestic homicide in Warwickshire
- The Criminal Justice system
- Warwickshire Domestic Violence service – service use
- Warwickshire MARAC
- Children and young people
- Adult social care
- Key themes in Warwickshire
- Economic impact of DVA in Warwickshire
- COVID-19 impact in Warwickshire
Service mapping: Current services in relation to need
Views of the public
- Online residents survey feedback
- Specialist services – service user feedback
- Engagement with BAME and LGBTQ communities – Equality and Inclusion Partnership
Views of professionals
- Views of professionals – survey
- Views of professionals – workshops
Expert opinion on best practice
National best practice and learning
- National evidence of best practice to inform commissioning
- DVA costs and funding
Commissioning DVS services
- Principles to inform DVA commissioning
Limitations of DVA data and access to services