Consultation on City Council Domestic Violence Services

People across Leicester are being asked for their views on the future of domestic violence services paid for by the city council.

A consultation process is running from November 11, 2011, to February 3, 2012, giving people the chance to have their say on proposals to change the services the council funds.

Leicester City Council is looking at how to make improvements to its services and fill gaps identified in a recent review of domestic violence services, at the same time as ensuring it can make the best use of resources.

Currently the city council offers three refuges, domestic violence outreach work, specialist support for people at most risk and a helpline which receives nearly 1,500 calls a year.

Many of the services already offer out-of-hours help, but it is not consistent across the board. The council also wants to start work earlier with people involved in abusive relationships, as well as having specialist support for children and young people affected by domestic violence, and making it clearer how to access services.

Leicester assistant city mayor responsible for neighbourhood services, Cllr Sarah Russell, said: “As part of our commitment to tackle domestic violence, we’ve pledged to look closely at how we commission important specialist services, to ensure help is targeted in the right areas, is accessible by all who need it, and is financially sustainable.

“We want to hear people’s opinions to help us shape the future of domestic violence services, to ensure we are best meeting the needs of people across the city and can help put an end to domestic violence.”

People can make their views known by taking part in the consultation online at:
www.leicester.gov.uk/dvconsultation

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