Recommissioning domestic abuse services

Senior councillors will be asked to agree to the re-commissioning of domestic abuse services in the city at a meeting next week (26 January), ensuring continued long-term support for residents.

Domestic abuse is a significant public health issue having a major impact on the health and wellbeing on those directly affected and their families. There is a holistic approach across the city on delivering these crucial services, focusing on prevention, strengthening the support for victims of abuse and ensuring access to appropriate accommodation.

At the meeting Executive will be asked to agree that the council works in partnership with North Yorkshire County Council and North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to tender a new contract for the provision of domestic abuse services for York and the wider county.

The recommissioning process could result in over £2m being invested by the council over an eight-year period for domestic abuse support services. If agreed, the new contract will come into force in 2024 with the current services remaining in place to help people until then.

Councillor Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “Violence or abuse of any kind is completely unacceptable. It is worrying that domestic abuse incidents have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to remain significantly high.

“As part of the provision of crucial local services as well as through our work on the White Ribbon campaign, we have been bringing together partners to address domestic abuse across the city. It’s important that we continue to take a proactive and joined up approach to tackle this concerning level of abuse and be there to support people when they need it most.

“If you or someone you know is in danger or needs support, please do reach out for help.”

Information and details about where people who are experiencing violence can go to for support is below:

Mobile: In an emergency, call 999 from your mobile. If prompted, press 55 to Make Yourself Heard and this will transfer your call to the police. Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your call

Landline: Call 999 from landline – if the operator can only hear background noise and cannot decide whether an emergency service is needed you will be connected to a police officer call handler. If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected from 45 seconds in case you pick up again. When 999 calls are made from landlines, information about location should be automatically available to the call handlers to help provide response

Locally: North Yorkshire & Barnsley Helpline:  0300 110 110

Nationally

Executive takes place on Thursday 26 January at 5.30pm. The papers are available to view at Agenda for Executive on Thursday, 26 January 2023, 5.30 pm (york.gov.uk). The meeting will be webcast, or can be watched back again, at: https://www.york.gov.uk/webcasts