The Head of Performance and Partnership Services presented a report which updated the Cabinet Equalities Committee on domestic abuse and older people; and the perpetrator intervention (Choices) in Bridgend.

She explained the work of the Assia Suite which showed that in the year 2017-18, they supported a total of 973 female abuse victims and 153 male victims respectively. He stated that there would be no victims without perpetrators and was recognised locally and nationally that to protect and assist victims, a perpetrator programme is paramount.

A Member reiterated the importance of the Assia Suite and the work that they have done. He requested clarification regarding Alzheimer’s sufferers and asked what was considered a consensual relationship and how was this being monitored.

The representative from Calan DVS explained that they were unsure of the statistics relating to this as it was not being monitored at that time but could change with trends that occur. She also stated that Safer Lives may have further information and she would have happy to link in with them and provide any information regarding this.

A Member asked if they have statistics on LGBT relationships as well as relationships involving different genders.

The representative from Calan DVS said that they did have some data regarding this and would be happy to provide what they have.

A Member asked to what extent was dementia an issue and did this change the approach that is taken to deal with sufferers.

The Head of Performance and Partnership Services explained that it was not always a straightforward situation with regard to Dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers. He gave an example of a situation where a wife was abusing her husband, on further investigation they discovered that it was the wife who was being abused. This changed the way they had to deal with the situation

The Leader was pleased with the evaluation of the project and found it encouraging that 100% of survivors would recommend the project. He believed this showed the effect that the project had on people and how it helped with keeping people safer. He was pleased to hear that the perpetrators saw the impact of the project and the impact it had on their own children.

A Member asked how the project was being monitored and was it robust in all areas, particularly children and victims.

The representative from Calan DVS assured Members that the project was continuously monitored to ensure all aspects of it are looked at and amended or updated when needed. She advised Members that there was currently an evaluation ongoing, which involved a Masters student performing a full analysis as part of their University course.

A Member asked for clarification on section 3.8 of the report which stated that an ‘adult family member’ being the primary perpetrator. She asked if not an adult family member, who else would the perpetrator be. 

The representative from Calan DVS explained that there have been many cases where older people have been living in homes and they have been subject to abuse from family members visiting them. This has often involved mental abuse including financial abuse.

A Member asked what are the statistics relating to Looked After Children (LAC)

The Head of Performance and Partnership Services said that he believed the statistics are prominent regarding children being looked after as a result of domestic abuse in the home. He said that he would look into this further with Social Services.

The Chairperson asked if there were any opportunities for the victims of domestic abuse to address the perpetrator and was there any safe environment to do this.

The representative from Calan DVS explained that there was no system in place for this at the current time. The victims did have the opportunity to work with the perpetrator with regard to child protection.

A Member asked what training was provided to officers in addition to the online training that was currently provided.

The representative from Calan DVS explained that 78% of officers have completed the online training, they are looking to provide more in depth training to the front line officers. She said that once the training system is made available they would be looking at how to best implement it.

The Leader urged members of the public to come forward if they are experiencing any difficult situation, they could do so in confidence no matter what their age, gender or background was.

A Member stressed the need for the policy of Bridgend County Borough Council to be updated to include males, LGBT and more. She said that currently only targets females which may give the false impression and uncertainty for other groups of people that they could not get the help they needed.

The Chairperson said that this was also the case with Welsh Government legislation. She agreed this needed to be looked into and will look to do this.

The Head of Performance and Partnership Services assured Members that they accept victims and perpetrators of all kinds and deal with every situation on an individual basis.

RESOLVED: That the Cabinet Equalities Committee noted the update in relation to the requested submission/update and progress made.