Domestic Abuse Is A Crime!

Torbay Domestic Abuse Forum is a group of representatives from various agencies who have an interest in assisting victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. The agencies represented on the Forum are:

	Safer Communities (Domestic Abuse Prevention Officer, Community Safety Manager, Crime Reduction Sergeant, Young Peoples Co-ordinator)
	Torbay Council (Housing, Social Services Education, Youth Offending)
	Devon & Cornwall Probation
	Devon & Cornwall Constabulary
	Torbay Care Trust
	Sure Start
	Job Centre
	South Devon Womens Aid
	Samaritans
	Victim Support
	Riviera Housing
	Local Solicitors & Judge
	Relate
	Citizens Advice

Torbay Domestic Abuse Forum was first formed in 1996. This was through a Home Office directive and with liaison between Devon & Cornwall Constabulary and Devon & Cornwall Probation Area. Over the years the Forum has raised the profile of Domestic Abuse in Torbay.

Torbay Domestic Abuse Forum today is a group of representatives from a number of agencies that have a front line involvement with either victims, perpetrators or children that have been affected by Domestic Abuse.

The Forum meet four times a year and work towards achieving an Action Plan that has been informed and developed by members of the Forum. The Action Plan has been set to drive forward service development in the following areas:

	Training and Awareness Raising
	Information Sharing and Data Management
	Services for Children and Survivors
	Work with Perpetrators
	Funding and Structures

There are also three sub groups that report to Torbay's Domestic Abuse Forum. These are:

	Training and Awareness
	Perpetrators
	Children and Survivors

The work that the Forum has been working on includes:-

National Domestic Violence Awareness Week (November)
Conferences to inform and raise awareness within local agencies whom have an involvement with Domestic Abuse (November 2004).
Advertising campaign to raise awareness and provide contact numbers for victims of Domestic Abuse
Working towards providing a perpetrator programme with Devon & Cornwall Probation Service
Producing information leaflets and posters
Improving services for Survivors and Children
If you would like any further information relating to Torbay's Domestic Abuse Forum then please contact the Domestic Abuse Prevention Officer on: 01803 841587 / joanne.penhaligon@torbay.gov.uk