----- Original Message
-----
From: Amanda.Gibbs@Sedgemoor.gov.uk
To: michael.wiffen@mensaid.com
Sent: Thursday, January 04, 2007 12:16 PM
Subject: Freedom of Information Request
Further to your request
for information regarding domestic violence perpetrator programmes.
Currently there is one male perpetrator programme running in Somerset
(not Sedgemoor alone). There will soon be two. This programme began
mid 2006 and currently does not have the capacity for a female perpetrator
programme although it is hoped that this development will be likely
in the near future.
Funding for these programmes
is available at County Council level not District so Sedgemoor District
Council does not contribute any specific amount. The funding is available
through Somerset County Council, Home Office funding and Building
Safer Communities funds via the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships.
Amanda Gibbs
Records Manager
Sedgemoor District Council
----- Original
Message -----
From: Lucy.Willmott@Sedgemoor.gov.uk
To: dave.mortimer@mensaid.com
Cc: Amanda.Gibbs@Sedgemoor.gov.uk
Sent: Monday, July 03, 2006 10:48 AM
Subject: Official request for information
Dear Mr. Mortimer,
Many thanks for
your request for information.
Our support for
victims of domestic abuse is ever increasing and the majority of work
is funded on a Countywide basis.
As we are a two-tier
authority, our work is separated into local projects and larger county
wide initiatives.
On a local basis,
we have a Sedgemoor Domestic Abuse Forum. This meets on a quarterly
basis and is coordinated by me and is attended by approximately 20
representatives form different public services and victims of domestic
abuse. This is in line with BVPI 225.
Annually we support
a DAFFs group which is for female victims of domestic abuse. This
includes individual support for victims and raising confidence, self
esteem and even skills such as driving lessons. the group meet each
week and is very successful. This group required start up costs which
were granted by the Safer Sedgemoor Partnership (CDRP), our local
Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership in the past two years.
At a county level,
a total of 25K was granted to Somerset Change, our county wide Domestic
abuse service for the year 2006/7. This was a lump sum via the Local
area agreement for Somerset. This was granted at a county level and
was not considered at a local level.
As our funding
is allocated on an annual basis, continuous funding cannot be committed
as the funds for CDRPs is not guaranteed. However domestic abuse is
a top priority for Somerset and funding should continue as long as
funding is granted.
The main support
service in Somerset is a new Perpetrator Programme run by Somerset
Change. This is an ongoing educational programme for those males asking
for help. This programme is due to run for both Males and Females
but it is in its infancy (began early this year) so has not matured
enough to expand.
For more information
about this and domestic abuse as a whole, please contact Nicky Allen,
Somerset's Domestic Abuse Coordinator (01823 357836).
I hope this information
is useful to you and gives you an idea of the work going on in Sedgemoor.
Kind Regards
Lucy Willmott
Community Safety Officer
Sedgemoor District Council
Bridgwater House
King Square
Bridgwater
Somerset
TA6 3AR
Direct: 01278 435216
Fax: 01278 436413
lucy.willmott@sedgemoor.gov.uk
