1. 2009 GMAC Strategic Assessment

2. Key facts and figures The GMAC Strategic Assessment makes the case for early intervention. In Greater Manchester: During 2008/09 there were in excess of 70,000 incidents of domestic abuse recorded by GMP, equating to an average daily rate of 215 incidents and resulting in the submission of 30 crime reports per day The number of domestic related incidents reported to GMP continues to rise, with an increase of nearly 11,500 incidents over the last 3 years 14 domestic abuse related homicides occurred within Greater Manchester in 2008/09 In the UK: Research indicates only a minority of domestic abuse is reported to the police (estimates vary between 23% and 35%) Domestic violence costs the UK around £23 billion a year The total cost of one domestic abuse related homicide is estimated to be £1 million

3. GM Directors of Public Health GM DPHs recognised this area as a priority within their 2009 3 rd Annual Report. In GM in 2007/8 there were 64,000 incidents of domestic violence reported to GMP (obviously likely to be a significantly under representation of the scale of domestic abuse in GM). 50-60% of women mental health service users have experienced domestic violence, and up to 20% will be experiencing current abuse (DH, 2003). One-third of women attending A&E departments for self- harm were domestic violence survivors (Womens Aid). The GM DPH Group will work with all partners in GM to see the establishment of a GM Domestic Violence Reduction Strategy.

4. Serious Violent Crime Theme Group (Domestic Abuse) Established March 2009 to progress the GMAC Strategic Assessment recommendations. Ongoing programme of work under the following themes: Developing consistency and clarity of service both in the general agency response and amongst specialist services Improving information sharing, coordination and analysis of multi-agency data Increasing awareness, challenging social norms and acceptability Measuring success/ increasing public confidence Assessment recommendations

5. Group Objective ‘Developing a clear and unified response to the early identification of domestic abuse across Greater Manchester: improving information sharing and analysis of multi-agency data, ensuring a consistent statutory sector and specialist service response, increasing reporting opportunities, raising public awareness and challenging entrenched social perceptions of acceptability.’ Membership includes representatives from GMAC, Association of GM PCTs, Manchester PCT, Bolton at Home, Independent Choices, GMP, GMPA, Victim Support, GMFRS, GM Probation Trust.

6. GMAC domestic abuse recommendations The Serious Violent Crime Theme Group to consider launching a sustained domestic abuse awareness campaign including a focus on ‘Healthy Relationships’ and the early signs of abuse within a relationship. Relevant agencies to be given support in identifying, developing and adopting the most appropriate polices, practice guidance and training in order to facilitate early identification and a consistent response to domestic abuse across GM. To explore how access to ways of reporting domestic abuse could be improved for victims and their friends, families and colleagues. To conduct further research concerning current provision for domestic abuse perpetrators across GM and future opportunities. To explore funding options for a dedicated resource to secure a more consistent approach to the early identification and prevention of domestic abuse. The conduct further work concerning the potential effectiveness and feasibility of applying Oxfordshire’s ‘one brand, one message’ approach for domestic abuse in GM. To explore the opportunity for the Women’s Domestic Abuse Helpline to become the central contact point for domestic abuse victims and practitioners across GM.