The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 requires that Tier One authorities (in this case the Council) appoint a Partnership Board (Board) consisting of key partners with an interest in tackling domestic abuse and supporting victims, including their children.

The Domestic Abuse Partnership board has been created to support the Council in meeting its duty under Part IV of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and to expand upon the wider community-focused work of the Worcestershire Forum against Domestic Abuse.

The board’s aim is to deliver strategic and partnership co-ordination of activity designed to prevent and reduce the impact of domestic abuse in Worcestershire. It will support partnership responsibilities in relation to the Crime and Disorder Act 1995 (as amended) and the safeguarding requirements for adults and children. 

Members of the Board will work together to support, advise and work in partnership with the Council to ensure victims and their children of domestic abuse have access to adequate and appropriate support within safe accommodation services. 

It will seek to improve outcomes for victims of domestic abuse, including their children, through a strategic approach to identifying and addressing gaps in support across all services.

Board membership

The Board is made up of a number of responsible bodies and agencies that by law, must be represented. Membership of the board includes:

• Worcestershire County Council
• representatives of the District, Borough and City councils
• a representative of the interests of victims of domestic abuse
• a representative of the interests of children of domestic abuse victims
• representatives of the interests of charities and other voluntary organisations that work with victims of domestic abuse
• the NHS
• Police representatives for N&S Worcestershire
• A Criminal Justice representative
• the PCCs Office
• the Probation Service