Leicester Domestic Violence Forum (LDVF) Partnership
Vision:
It is our vision to reduce domestic violence through working together to prevent domestic violence, and to provide support and protection and to anyone who has been, or may be, affected by domestic violence.
We will do this through continuing to build our knowledge base, with a commitment to campaigning for culture change, and a commitment to listen to those who often go unheard: In partnership.
Aim of the Leicester Domestic Violence Forum (LDVF) Partnership
To provide an organisational lead and strategic approach to responding domestic violence in Leicester.
Governance
The LDVF Partnership Strategic Group has the responsibility for ensuring that there is a strategic approach to Domestic Violence in Leicester. This means that work on Domestic Violence is co-ordinated and that collaboration between agencies is actively encouraged in order to improve provision and effectiveness.
The LDVF Partnership operates as a Partnership, rather than as a registered charity or company limited by guarantee. It supports the framework of the Leicester Strategic Partnership (LSP). As such, it provides an effective body for consultation, planning and commissioning Domestic Violence work.
The LDVF Partnership Strategic Group nominate a Chair and Vice Chair annually. These positions hold additional responsibilities. Key stakeholders are invited to become members of the group and additional agencies may be invited to present papers as appropriate.
Each group within the structure has terms of reference and a membership list, which can be accessed through the Domestic Violence Co-ordinator or the Team Assistant (DV) of the Safer Leicester Partnership.
Groups
The Steering Group consists of multi-agency service managers and senior officers who can input into planning and delivery of services required for the strategic vision to be realised. This group monitors progress against an annual action plan and reports regularly on emerging gaps or areas where improvement is required.
The sub-groups noted on the structure diagram as beneath the steering group are well established and the need for people to focus on these specific areas is likely to continue due to the amount of current and planned activity. The need for further groups is discussed as necessary.
These sub groups, lead by different organisations, operate across the city and county areas. Current leads are provided by:
Leicester City Primary Care Trust (NHS)
Connexions Leicester Shire (Publicity)
Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) (Civil and Criminal Working Group)
Practitioners of all levels of seniority are engaged at this level. Many are giving their time ‘voluntarily’, or as a ‘contribution in kind’ as Domestic Violence partnership work is not included or funded in their job remit. For this reason, capacity issues have to be carefully considered.
The Open Forum Network Meeting is held four times a year and is an opportunity for wider information sharing and consultation amongst practitioners interested in the area of Domestic Violence work. The mailing list for this Network incorporates all of the aforementioned group members and items of importance are distributed as necessary.
Membership
Members of the voluntary, statutory and commercial sectors are invited to joint the work of the Domestic Violence Forum Partnership.
Should you require any further information about getting involved with the work of the Domestic Violence Forum Partnership, please telephone the Safer Leicester Partnership on the number at the top of the page.
