New crackdown on domestic violence

Oct 13 2006 By Patrice John, Birmingham Mail

COUNCIL chiefs and West Midlands Police have joined forces to get tough on domestic violence.

A joint initiative between Birmingham City Council and the police has seen the launch of the Pan-Birmingham Domestic Violence Strategy.

The Strategy hopes to reduce the number of deaths associated with domestic violence in the city.

Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council and Chairman of Birmingham Community Safety Partnership Stephen Hughes said: "Domestic violence damages the lives and crushes the potential of so many within our city.

"I am therefore delighted to introduce this first Pan-Birmingham Domestic Violence Strategy which lays out the commitment of all our agencies to work collaboratively to prevent domestic violence and address the harm that domestic violence creates."

Experts estimate that more than 26,000 women are subjected to domestic violence each year in Birmingham.

They have also found that in up to 60 per cent of cases, children are directly abused by the same violent parent and domestic violence costs Birmingham £97million each year.

Assistant Chief Constable and vice-chairman of Birmingham Community Safety Partnership Anil Patani said: "This strategy identifies clear objectives for all partner agencies. Working together we can make a real and sustained difference for everyone involved."

Birmingham's agencies are hoping to respond to the horrors of domestic violence through the Pan-Birmingham Domestic Violence Strategy.

It is supported at the highest levels through Birmingham Community Safety Partnership and signals that Birmingham is serious about tackling domestic violence.

The strategy particularly signals a clear commitment to work in partnership and to co-ordinate initiatives.

* Have your say on this story at www.birminghammail.net/news/yoursay