Agenda item

Report of Lynn Wilson, Consultant in Public Health.

The Chairman introduced the Public Health Practitioner, Public Health, Tammy Ross, who was in attendance to speak to Members in relation to the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy 2015-2018 (for copy see file of minutes).

The Public Health Practitioner reminded Members that following a governance review at the SDP the SDP Vulnerability Group was disbanded and the sexual violence agenda was incorporated into the Domestic Abuse Forum Executive Group.  It was explained that the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy had 16 high level objectives based under 4 headings, and set out clear escalation routes for issues.  It was added that the Strategy had been agreed by the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Executive Group and had gone through the relevant management teams and had been considered and endorsed by the SDP Board. 

The Committee learned that the high level objectives had been updated in January 2015, although it was noted that the definitions in terms of priority groups had not changed, and the vision had also remained unchanged.  It was noted the document was attached to the agenda papers and Members were asked for any questions.

Councillor T Nearney noted from the report and strategy document that there was a lot of focus on multi-agency working, and the CVS in addition, and asked whether care was being taken to ensure that there was not too much being loaded onto the CVS.  The Public Health Practitioner explained that CVS representatives attended the Operational Group and capacity issues would be taken into account.  It was noted that Public Health were commissioners, and therefore work was undertaken together with other agencies and partners for the benefit of children, young people and families.

The Chairman asked if the role of alcohol in such cases was taken into account.  The Public Health Practitioner noted that mental health issues, and alcohol or substance abuse formed the “toxic trio” and colleagues worked together with members of the HRU.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.