Multi Agency Domestic Abuse Group - Nov 2011

The Multi Agency Domestic Abuse Group (MADAG) hosted a very insightful briefing session on the new ‘Bystander’ approach, being promoted by the Violence Reduction Unit, and being piloted in Inverclyde and Edinburgh. Graham Goulden from the VRU delivered the briefing session, having led one of the investigative workshops at our June event 'Tackling Domestic Abuse'. The briefing session was also attended by other local partner agencies with an interest in ‘Bystander’.

The MADAG continued to develop a service specification for a non-court mandated service for perpetrators of domestic abuse, which was identified as a key gap in current service provision at our June event. This is a very challenging piece of work, even before we begin to try to identify funding. We are linking in with the local Violence Against Women forums to seek their views and feedback.

The Group continue to look for practice examples of work with perpetrators, including most recently the launch of the Highland Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programme, which is jointly delivered by Criminal Justice Social Work and Women’s Aid workers. The programme offers structured one-to-one sessions with perpetrators, and a support service for their families. It is accredited by Respect and is delivered within existing resources.

The MADAG also acts as the strategic oversight group in relation to the Caledonian system and as a multi-agency reference group for the Caledonian lead officers. Discussions lead to improved links and referrals between the domestic abuse cluster court at Ayr Sheriff Court and the Caledonian system.