Agenda item

CSD 16040

It was noted on the Matters Arising report that the new DV Commissioner would update the Group at the March meeting.

Victoria Roberts had been appointed as the new Interim DV and VAWG Commissioner. Ms Roberts was setting up and preparing for the first meeting of the Domestic Violence Forum. This was scheduled for 22^nd April 2016, and invitations would be sent out in due course. The Forum would assist in developing a DV Strategy for the Borough. The Group had a Vice Chairman, but the post of Chairman was still vacant.

Ms Roberts referred to the DHR (Domestic Homicide Review) and subsequent recommendations. 

Domestic Homicide Reviews are governed by Section 9 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act, 2004. The guidance states that a DHR means a review of the circumstances in which the death of a person aged 16 or over has, or appears to have resulted from violence, abuse or neglect by:

• A person to whom he/she was related or with whom he/she was or had been in an intimate personal relationship, or

• A member of the same household as himself/herself.

A Review is conducted to see what lessons can be learned from the death.

The Group noted that any recommendations that arose from the DHR, would need to be signed off by the Home Office Domestic Homicide Review Quality Assurance Panel. The Group were informed that a meeting was taking place the same afternoon--between Ms Roberts and the Deputy Borough Police Commander. This was with the aim of setting up a Task and Finish Group to implement the DHR and Home Office recommendations. It was anticipated that any policies recommended by the task and finish group would be looked at by both the Safer Bromley Partnership, and also by the Children’s Board.

The Deputy Borough Commander was keen to clarify where the task and finish group should report into. He was of the view that the DHR recommendations were extensive, and that the required changes were likely to be achieved by a gradual process. Ms Roberts agreed with this, and stated that the work of the task and finish group was important, and should not be delayed. The DHR recommendations would be incorporated into the Strategic Aims of the Group. It was noted in this case, that there was no contact or involvement with other agencies, and that the DHR recommendations had been published on the web.

The Matters Arising report had also noted that an update on New Psychoactive Substances would be brought to the March meeting. It was still the case that LBB were waiting to review the situation when the new legislation had been passed. Currently there was very little front line supply, if any. It may be the case that the supply was going underground. This being the case, there was no action plan being developed at this time. The main problem currently was with the supply and use of nitrous oxide. This was freely available online.

Mr Terry Belcher expressed concerns around Nitrous Oxide capsules found in the Ramsden Area. This showed that usage was still an issue. Chief Inspector David Tait stated that the matter was not seen as a major issue by the Police. Cllr Tim Stevens informed the Group that there was a problem with Nitrous Oxide in the Farnborough Area; he expressed the view that more education on the dangers of Nitrous Oxide should be provided in schools. He expressed concern that the problems could increase as summer drew nearer.

Dr Robert Hadley informed the Group that around 55 nitrous oxide capsules had been collected from a path used by children on the way to school in Locksbottom. Superintendent Lawry enquired what LBB were doing in terms of raising these issues with schools. It was suggested that Mr Vale and the Chief Superintendent meet to discuss this further. However, it was also noted that the LBB Director for Education had access to the HTF (Head Teachers Forum). The HTF would be an ideal medium through which these issues could be raised. The Borough Commander commented that as things stood, the matter was not a Police issue. It was suggested that Public Health should be able to input into this problem area, and that it may be prudent to raise the matter with Paula Morrison, and Dr Nada Lemic.

The Borough Fire Commander queried if there was a disposal risk with nitrous oxide capsules.

In high concentrations nitrous oxide could cause asphyxiation. Symptoms may include loss of mobility/consciousness. The affected person may not be aware of asphyxiation. In low concentrations, nitrous oxide could cause narcotic effects. Symptoms may include dizziness, headache, nausea and loss of coordination. Exposure to liquid nitrous oxide can cause burns and frostbite. Capsules and canisters contain gas under pressure so could explode if exposed to heat. They may cause or intensify fire. 

Regular use can lead to red blood cell problems that could result in anaemia. There is a risk of vitamin D deficiency and a link with mood swings and depression. There is also a risk of vitamin B12 deficiency with continued regular use. Vitamin B12 deficiency can potentially cause severe and irreversible damage, especially to the brain and nervous system. Although official figures are not collected for deaths related to nitrous oxide, there have been a number of deaths linked to its use, primarily due to oxygen deprivation.

The report referenced matters arising around the Prevent Strategy. Mr Vale explained to the Group that a Prevent Strategy was being developed in conjunction with the Police, and that this would be signed off by the Chief Executive when complete. The Prevent Strategy was a statutory requirement for local authorities. Various training events had already been actioned—there had been 11 training events and 230 staff had been trained. It was noted that funding for training was ending soon. The Action Plan would also incorporate a strategy for public buildings. The Chairman asked if the training that had been undertaken had resulted in an increase in referrals and intelligence. The Director for Children’s Services stated that there had been some referrals into Children’s Social Care where the staff had been more able to deal effectively due to the training that had been received. It was also the case that Ofsted had enquired about how many staff had been trained in Children’s Services.

Doctor Robert Hadley stated that school governors were to be examined by Ofsted, in addition to the rest of the school. School Governors needed to be fully aware of their responsibilities, and that Head Teachers needed to be held to account. The Chief Superintendent concluded by informing the Group that the organisation “Growing Against Violence” (GAV) had been working in five schools, and this was good news. 

RESOLVED that an update on the LBB Domestic Violence Strategy and the DHR recommendations be added as agenda items for the next meeting.