18th January 2008, 08/11
Emergency funding for Independent Domestic Violence
Advisor
With domestic violence at the top of the help list, West Lancashire
Community Safety Partnership has stepped in to provide temporary
funding for a vital role.
The post of the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) is an
extremely important one because that person provides a system to
support victims of domestic violence/abuse effectively as they
proceed through the criminal justice process.
In West Lancashire this person is part of the Women's Refuge team
because they must be part of a voluntary organisation to ensure
independence. The Women's Refuge were able to fund the post in the
short term from their own limited resources but not in the long
term.
Realising the problems, the WLCSP was able to give £10,000 to
ensure that the post can continue until the end of March
2008.
Cllr David Westley, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said:
"Domestic violence remains at the top of our agenda and we
recognise that the role of the IDVA is a crucial one in supporting
victims and giving them direct support independently of any other
agencies.When we heard that the money had run out for this post we
stepped in to ensure that they can continue their good work until
the end of the finanical year."
As a result the IDVA will continue to support clients throughout
the duration of their case, acting as an advocate/advisor on court
processes and agency responsibilities and playing a pivitol role on
the MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences). The aim of
this work on the MARAC is threefold: To build on evaluated best
practice in the area of multi agency risk management and
information sharing; To develop consistent responses to high risk
survivors of domestic violence; To improve the safety of survivors
and their children.
The WLCSP has also been able to provide funds for training for the
IDVA role because it is a new role that requires specialist
knowledge and skills.
Bill Taylor, Chairman of the West Lancashire Community Safety
Partnership, said: "We already have many agencies who do tremendous
work to address domestic violence and support families but it's
important to have somebody who is independent to help support the
victim, which is why we felt that it was important to find funding
to continue this role and provide training. I'm confident that we
can rise to the challenge of finding further funding to continue
this good work."
Eleanor Maddocks, Chief Officer at the West Lancashire Women's
Refuge, added: "This will enhance even more what services we
provide to deliver a holistic service. We appreciate the Community
Safety Partnership stepping in to save such an important
post."
At the moment, funding levels from central government have not been
confirmed but the West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership is
hopeful that additional funding will be secured to continue this
role in the future.
Related information
> Living
in West Lancs
> Community
Safety