Lib Dems pass motion on Domestic Abuse at Tewkesbury Borough Council

On the 29th October 2024 a Motion was presented to Tewkesbury Borough Council by Cllr Liz Skelt (Churchdown, St Johns) to implement to implement the Rural Champions Model and Cut it Out campaign in line with the PREVENTION & EARLY INTERVENTION section of the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Strategy 2021/2024.

The National Rural Crime Network has shocking picture of domestic abuse in rural Britain with hidden victims – isolated, unsupported, and unprotected – who are being failed by the system, services, and those around them. The results of an 18-month intensive research project, the study has analysed available evidence, spoken in depth to victims of abuse, assessed local support services and looked at the approach of the police.

The Cut it Out Campaign is a free 2-hour training session for hair stylists who work in a hair or beauty salon. After this initial launch, there will be further training sessions delivered in the community for hairdressers, barbers, tattooists and beauty therapists and that dates will be released soon. We would encourage those working in these professions to attend. 

For many domestic abuse victims, hairdressers and beauty salons are safe spaces where they're at ease with the stylists they trust. With proper training, these professionals can become invaluable and influential community partners in reducing the impact of domestic abuse.

Given the hidden nature of Domestic Abuse in rural districts and the importance of accessing timely support, the Rural Domestic Abuse Champions Coordinator, and the Cut it out Campaign offer us an opportunity to prevent and intervene at an early stage, reducing the stigma of reporting for victims and strengthening our coordinated community response.

The council agreed to the below:

• Training for all staff in Management or frontline positions at Tewkesbury Borough Council.
• All Borough Cllrs given the opportunity to book their own training sessions if they wish to.
• The leader writes to all Parishes/Towns councils encouraging staff and Parish/Town Cllrs to book training sessions.
• Agree to Join the Campaign and work with the Rural Domestic Abuse Champions Coordinator on delivering.
• Help the Cut it Out Campaign with Media adverting and collecting data on professionals that fall into the category targeted for potential training. 

Cllr Liz Skelt said, “The hardest part for people on the outside of these relationships is reaching the people on the inside of them. The hardest and most dangerous part for people on the inside of them is getting help and actually leaving their abuser.  None of this is easy. 

It was once believed that this kind of abuse didn’t really exist in rural communities but a recent study by the National Rural Crime Network shows that not only does it exist but it is far worse than in more urban areas. 

There is more isolation with less police and support services. Poor internet and mobile phone coverage and less public transport to name a few issues. These things combined make rural communities the perfect location to trap a victim. 

Domestic abuse is on the rise. 1 in 7 men and 1 in 4 women are now statically likely to be victims of domestic abuse in England and Wales. According to Domestic abuse charities men are far less likely to report abuse and far more likely to consider suicide as a way to escape”

The motion was passed with no amendments and will a unanimous vote in favour.