Decision details

Purpose of the Report

To seek Executive approval of the revised Internal Domestic Abuse Policy.

Decision

That implementation of the revised Internal Domestic Abuse Policy be approved.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None were considered.

Reasons for the Decision

The City of Lincoln Council had a legal and moral obligation to ensure that the workplace was safe and supported victims of domestic abuse. It was therefore necessary to have a clear policy setting out the Council’s response and responsibilities in relation to domestic abuse which impacted on the workforce, whether as victims or perpetrators.

Domestic Abuse had risen on the national agenda over the last decade with new and widened definitions being introduced, as well as specific Act’s to tackle domestic abuse, setting a framework for the support that victims could expect.

The Council’s Internal Domestic Abuse Policy was last revised and updated in 2014.  Following changes in legislation and more detailed definitions produced, a policy refresh was required.

The City of Lincoln Council was committed to tackling domestic abuse as an active statutory partner in the Domestic Abuse Board in Lincolnshire.

This had been considered by the Policy Scrutiny Committee and an extract of the minutes was appended to the report.