Agenda item

The presentation from Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid was given by the CEO, Constanze Sen.

The presentation commenced with a presentation of various statistics pertaining to domestic abuse, followed by data that was specific to BCWA.

The following services were provided:

}  Refuge Accommodation & Support

}  Child Support Services

}  Schools Programme

}  Community Outreach Support

}  Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop

}  Support Groups

}  Awareness & Training

The Committee were informed that a new holistic service had been set up in 2016—‘Breaking Down Barriers’. There were four aspects to the service:

·  Services for women with complex needs

·  Services for women that had no recourse to public funds

·  Specialist support for young women and girls

·  Training and awareness

Lottery funding had been provided for four positions within this service.

Funding for BCWA came from a variety of sources which included:

}  Rental Income

}  Big Lottery Fund

}  London Borough of Bromley

}  DCLG

}  MOPAC

}  BBC Children in Need

}  Trusts and Foundations

}  Community groups

}  Churches

}  Local Businesses

Members of the Committee were briefed on the financial cost of domestic abuse, which impacted across the whole of the community and society, costs were accrued in the following areas:

•  Criminal Justice System

•  Healthcare

•  Social Services

•  Housing & Refuge Services

•  Civil Legal Costs

There were significant financial implications for society as a whole, in addition to the personal human cost of Domestic Abuse.  Ms Sen argued that these human and financial costs made a compelling argument for a concerted effort from all partnerships towards support and prevention.

In conclusion, the Committee noted a slide that showed the true story of a domestic abuse survivor. It detailed the actual cost which was £63.5k, and the cost that could have been incurred with needs led intervention which was £2.3k.

A member asked how many men sought help at the One Stop Shop. It was estimated that this was roughly 5/10 out of every 300 that attended. It was estimated that the total cost of running the service was circa £800,000. The main income was rental income, and then support from LBB. It was clear that if LBB reduced its financial support, then services would be affected.

A member asked about the usage and costs of ancillary staff. It was confirmed that ancillary staff were required, and were paid out of rental income. It was noted that current the service was running at a deficit.

Ms Sen explained that sometimes the women that came to them for help would have to give up their jobs.  Those that were not working would have to make a claim for full housing benefit, or make a claim for housing benefit support to top up their wages. Grants were no longer provided.

The Chairman asked if the women coming to the service for help would have a development plan to work towards. Ms Sen responded that sometimes domestic abuse victims would need to relocate. This was easier if a safe network existed elsewhere. There was roughly a 50.50 split between those that located in and outside of the borough. Resettlement support was provided, which could also include help to get back into work and sometimes help in dealing with alcohol addiction.

Ms Sen concluded by welcoming members of the PDS committee to visit the Service.

RESOLVED that the presentation from Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid be noted.