Agenda and minutes

Resolved:  That all items be web-cast.

Cllr Daphne Parvin and Michael Hill sent their apologies.

There were none.

Cllr Ian Chittenden attended as a Visiting Member.

Councillor Butler and Councillor Mrs Stockell declared a personal interest in Item 9, Safer Maidstone Partnership Scrutiny – Domestic Violence, Councillor Butler by virtue of his employment at a Magistrates Court and Councillor Stockell by virtue of her membership of the Kent Police Authority (KPA).

Resolved: That all items be taken in public as proposed.

To consider the co-opting of Mr Michael Hill as a voting member of the Committee when it acts in its capacity as the Crime and Disorder Overview and Scrutiny Committee 2010/2011.

Resolved: That Michael Hill be appointed as a Co-opted member representing the Kent Police Authority on the Crime and Disorder Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 9 November 2010, be approved as a correct record of the meeting and duly signed by the Chairman.

Interviews with:

·  Martin Adams, Chairman of the Safer Maidstone Partnership and David Hewetson, Lead Officer for the SMP

·  Angela Lovegrove and Suzanne Pearson, Women’s Support Services

·  John Littlemore, Chief Housing Officer and Kate Turner, Domestic Abuse Officer

·  Alison Gilmour, Kent & Medway Domestic Violence Co-ordinator

·  Ian Park, Chairman of the Maidstone Domestic Violence Forum

The Chairman began the Meeting by commending the success of the recent Stakeholder Event ‘Exploring Violence Provision in Maidstone’ which was held at Lenham Community Centre on 12 November 2010. It was a joint effort by the Safer Maidstone Partnership and The Maidstone Domestic Violence Forum. Many of those present at the meeting had attended the event.

The Chairman handed over to John Littlemore, Chief Housing Officer at Maidstone Borough Council who was representing the Safer Maidstone Partnership (SMP). Mr Littlemore gave a brief introduction to explain the SMP’s role in delivering the Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy in Maidstone and the key priority Domestic Violence which he explained was a cross cutting theme affecting many; the health service, young people and education.

Mr Littlemore explained that the SMP were in the process of reviewing the recent Strategic Assessment and their next meeting would be to formalise their priorities. A sub group had been set up to continue the work begun at the recent Stakeholder Event.

First to speak was David Hewetson, lead officer at Maidstone Borough Council for the SMP.  Mr Hewetson presented the Committee with an overview of Crime Statistics in Kent which put Maidstone 5^th overall in terms of Domestic Violence cases. 1,700 of 21,000 cases reported in Kent in the last year were in Maidstone. He explained that this time last year Maidstone was ‘bucking the trend’ with regard to Domestic Abuse which is why it was a Priority. The officer highlighted the inconclusive nature of Crime Statistics in relation to Domestic Abuse. Domestic Abuse was not classified as a crime so it was explained that incidents of Violent and Sexual Crime could include cases of Domestic Abuse.  The Committee questioned the statistics further enquiring about seasonal variations and the impact of current state of the economy. Mr Littlemore explained that the statistics in isolation were difficult to understand and a high reporting rate would in many ways indicate success in terms of the work that is being done to tackle Domestic Abuse. Alison Gilmour, Kent and Medway Domestic Violence Co-ordinator confirmed that there had been a 4 year increase in Domestic Abuse cases but that it depended where the figures were coming from. She explained there may be a down turn currently but December and January was the busiest period. National research showed that only 35% of incidents were reported. Mrs Gilmour advised that a Home Office Tool Kit put the actual figure for Maidstone at 5,000 as opposed to the 1,700 cases recorded. Mrs Gilmour explained there was a gap in those coming forward to the police or victims were accessing another service such as those provided by voluntary organisations.

Members questioned the way in which services could be accessed and the prominence they were given.  Mrs Gilmour explained that there were poster campaigns and events. Organisations now had forums and strategies in place. Events like the recent stakeholder event helped to get the message through more quickly via the professionals.

The suggestion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

Resolved: That the crime and disorder scrutiny protocols be noted.