The way forward

Cumbria Primary Care Trust working with Carlisle & Eden Crime and Reduction Partnership (CDRP), Cumbria Constabulary and Cumbria Domestic Violence Partnership are hosting a half-day seminar event outlining how partners are trying to increase the numbers of Domestic Violence Incidents Reported to the Police and reduce repeat victimisation in the District.

Partners are set to meet on Thursday 6 March at a half-day event, which will start at 09.30am, hosted in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre Carlisle. Several keynote speakers will be present including Professor John Ashton (CBE), Director of Public Health at Cumbria Primary Care Trust; Craig Mackey, Chief Constable, Cumbria Constabulary; Claire Lindley, Chief Crown Prosecutor, Cumbria Crown Prosecution Service; Sally Steadman-South, Regional Development Manager, Co-ordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse and Dr Nicole Westmarland, Lecturer in Criminal Justice, Durham University.

The aim of the conference is to:

• Introduce Cumbria Primary Care Trusts’ / Cumbria Health Economy Domestic Abuse Policy and Guidelines,
• Increase awareness of the Cumbria Domestic Violence Partnership,
• Increase knowledge of Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) and relevant health toolkits,
• Emphasise the importance of Multi-agency referrals between the police and the NHS.

The Police received 3900 calls for service County wide between 2005 and 2006, with 1555 of those incidents being recorded as domestic violence crimes. During the same period between 2006 and 2007 there were 4429 calls for service County wide, with 1518 of those incidents being recorded as domestic violence crimes, of which 563 involved alcohol.

The human and emotional cost of domestic violence in Cumbria is estimated at £170.86 million. In all cases with Domestic Violence as a factor, children have twice the rate of child mental illness, twice the rate of carer mental illness, and twice the rate of substance abuse in the household. In Cumbria domestic violence costs a staggering £229 million per year or equivalent to £469 per head per annum. Domestic violence in Cumbria costs the Criminal Justice System £10 million, Health £14 million, Social Services £2.28 million, housing £1.58 million, and the civil and legal costs amount to £3.12 million

Quotes

Quote Professor John Ashton (CBE), Director of Public Health at Cumbria Primary Care Trust said:

‘’a stable, warm and supportive home environment is the basis of good mental health and of a quality life. The level of domestic violence, which we tolerate in the 21st Century, is an indictment to all of us. We must start by sorting out our own families and organisations if we are to have a real impact on this serious threat to public health. It is easier to change our own behaviour than someone else’s, working together will make a difference.’’

Mary Robinson Chair of Carlisle & Eden CDRP said

‘’ this joint approach initiative demonstrates our determination to deal effectively with the root cause of Domestic Violence, the social consequences and deal effectively with offenders. Actively supporting victims of domestic violence is a priority as we seek to improve the quality of life for all people living in Carlisle and Eden by working together.’’

Cllr Judy Prest portfolio holder for Sustainable Communities said,

‘’once more the CDRP is working in partnership with other statutory organisations to address a very real issue. There has been an increase in the number of reported incidents, which is largely down to the hard work of partners in highlighting the fact that this type of crime is treated seriously and will be dealt with accordingly and because of this reassurance the increased willingness of victims to report incidents to agencies. ’’

The Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary Craig Mackey said

‘’ the great strength of this event is the recognition that together in partnership we can tackle the issue of Domestic Violence. From support for victims and families, to dealing with alleged offenders we all have a part to play in making Cumbria a safe and strong community in which to live and work ‘’