The Audit Commission has launched an online tool to help local public bodies assess how good they are at tackling domestic abuse.
The tool is designed to assist commissioners and practitioners evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their services and prompts them to consider if the differing needs of victims are recognised, how well different agencies work together and if the best use is made of limited funding.
The Audit Commission estimates that each serious case of domestic abuse costs local agencies £20,000 and makes an impact across the public sector. While the emergency health services, police and criminal justice system face the direct costs of domestic abuse, there are also long‑term costs on local government services, including education, social services and housing.
Reported instances of serious domestic abuse fell by 67% between 1997 and 2009/10. The Audit Commission says it is vital to re‑examine the efficiency and effectiveness of domestic violence services in order to ensure there is no reversal of this improvement.
Andy McKeon, managing director for policy, analysis and research at the Audit Commission, said: ‘We all know that the public sector is facing a challenging time financially. Councils and their partners must make every penny count and make tough decisions about their spending. Making a domestic abuse service more efficient and effective means victims can continue to get the support they need.
‘We hope that the self-assessment tool we’ve launched today will help councils, police and all those involved in preventing and dealing with domestic abuse, get the most from their service.’
The onlinetool includes case studies that illustrate successful approaches to improving domestic abuse services. It also identifies the common themes of successful approaches, and some of the barriers to success.
