Agenda item

Report of the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime.

Considered

The report of the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime regarding tackling domestic abuse in rural areas.

By way of introduction, the Deputy Mayor referred to levels of under-reporting and ensuring that rural spaces are reached through commissioned services as well as partnership working with the farming community.

The Deputy Mayor was asked about the data provided and whether it reflects that more disclosures are being made on historical cases or whether domestic violence is more prevalent now.  The Deputy Mayor felt that the national focus given to this is likely leading to greater reporting.  It was highlighted to the Panel that Derbyshire has done a piece of work around the challenges for victims in a rural setting, to raise awareness, and that something similar could be commissioned for North Yorkshire.  The Deputy Mayor agreed to share the link to the work with the Panel.

Concern was raised by a member regarding the fact that Survive has had to close its waiting list for self-referrals due to lack of funding.  The Deputy Mayor was asked if she was satisfied with the level of provision available to victims.  The Deputy Mayor offered to come back in writing outside of the Panel in due course due to the contractual nature of the query, although Panel were invited to note that referrals may still channel through the Supporting Victims team for counselling provision.

Members invited the Deputy Mayor to make representations to government and rural counterparts that when an individual is arrested under suspicion of rape or serious sexual violence that their firearms are removed.  The Panel has previously been advised that this is a matter for individual forces and sergeants but it was felt to be a matter of national policy.  The Deputy Mayor agreed to collaborate with the Panel on this issue to ask what consideration is being given to the point at which this is done once someone is arrested.

Reference was made by a Panel member to the report ‘Captive and Controlled’ on rural domestic abuse, led by a former Commissioner of North Yorkshire and that a recent BBC report indicated that while reporting of crime is higher, conviction rates are very low.  The Deputy Mayor was asked to what extent the police are responsible for these low conviction figures and what she proposes in terms of ensuring the police take all steps required to improve the current rate.  It was agreed that the Deputy Mayor would come back in writing on this.

A member highlighted the importance of recognising Selby and Scarborough as part of the figures provided and that a large proportion of North Yorkshire is in fact rural. 

Resolved

That the Panel will:

(a)   receive information on the work commissioned through Derbyshire on domestic abuse in rural areas;

(b)   collaborate with the Deputy Mayor on seeking government’s consideration of removal of firearms from individuals who are arrested on suspicion of rape or serious sexual violence; and

(c)   receive a written response regarding the extent to which the police are responsible for low conviction rates for domestic violence and how the Deputy Mayor is ensuring steps are taken forward to improve this.