Beyond Words - our paper about tackling domestic abuse

A tough package of measures to combat domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is launched today by the Labour Group of councillors.

"Beyond Words" recommends West Northants Council should:

• Set annual goals for reducing domestic abuse and involve the community in monitoring progress

• Increase funding for community programmes to support survivors

• Target perpetrator programmes at younger people

• Prioritise support for children: a third of those in families affected by domestic abuse are aged under five

West Northamptonshire Council is due to discuss a county-wide strategy on domestic abuse and violence against women and girls on Tuesday 5 May. Labour's response is based on consultations and the Group welcomes views and comments on it.

Cllr Sally Keeble, Labour Group Leader, said: “The strategy has to be more than words. There needs to be sustainable funding for support services for women affected by abuse, and joined-up working by all public agencies.

“Of more than 3,000 children affected by domestic abuse in the county each year, a third are aged under five. We need more family hubs to support them.

“Far too many women affected by domestic abuse suffer in silence. The Council needs to work with partners and the community to break the silence and end the violence.”

You can read the full document here.

Beyond Words.pdf

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