Bucks Domestic Abuse Services Reviewed

21 November 2011, 05:00

Buckinghamshire County Council (BCC) have started a review of the services they offer victims of domestic violence.

Between April 2010 and March 2011 there were 6,000 recorded cases of domestic abuse in the county - but the Home Office estimates the true extent at nearly three times that figure.

Across the Thames Valley there were 11,000 recorded cases.

BCC's scrutiny committee is now looking at how agencies work together to stop the violence, how victims are supported and how effective their own services are.

They will also meet survivors from Black and Minority Ethnic communities and rural communities.

Councillors will look at how children and young people in Buckinghamshire's schools are taught about relationships, and how this can be improved to prevent future domestic violence.

Chairman of the Domestic Violence scrutiny review, Lesley Clarke said:

"Domestic violence is a complex topic and a hugely important one, which is why it was selected for the review. In the Spring we will make recommendations to feed into the county’s new Domestic Violence Strategy and help to improve the services in the county."

If people want to take part in the review they can get in touch with the scrutiny committee directly.