DECISION

1.    To agree the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2019-24

2.    To agree that the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2019-24 be published.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, HEALTH, ADULTS AND COMMUNITY (D. RADLEY)

(Violence Against Women and Girls Co-ordinator (S. Bradburne)

Councillor Asma Begum, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equalities, introduced the report on the new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy 2019-24. She highlighted that the strategy was linked to the Council’s Strategic Plan and that some actions, such as the signing of the VAWG Charter, had already been delivered.

She highlighted how the Council had worked to cover the biggest concerns raised by those impacted such as on potential homelessness and it had looked at how to overcome barriers to seeking support.

During discussion a number of points were noted including:

·         This was a high level strategy and the underpinning action plan would follow.

·         It was also noted that the strategy had been developed as a partnership approach.

·         Working with schools to educate young people was vitally important.

·         Violence took in a wide range of issues including actions such as coercive control.

·         The Council worked to ensure services were available for both men and women who were victims of violence.

The Mayor thanked everyone for their contributions, welcomed the report and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2019-24

2.    To agree that the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy 2019-24 be published.