Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services, seeking Member support to launch a Violence Against Women and Girls Educational campaign, developed by the City of London Corporation Community Safety Team, alongside the London Boroughs of Hackney and Tower Hamlets.

Members commended an excellent report, noting particularly the step change being sought in behaviours. The Chair further advised of the work in schools targeting teenage boys; the curriculum is frequently reviewed  by the DfE and gives Schools autonomy to meet the needs of their communities.  The Director of Education agreed to circulate details of this initiative to the City’s schools via weekly communications.  The Virtual Head Teacher was also following up this work in respect of looked after children.  

The Deputy Chair, who represents the Committee on the Police Authority Board, advised that the Board had approved this report at their last meeting and received a briefing from Baroness Casey on significant learnings from her review of the Metropolitan Police.   The Board and various community Groups had asked for use of the acronym ‘VAWG’ to cease.

A Member advised of a similar campaign in a Canadian Town in respect of drinking and consent and their material is available for free if the town is accredited.  The Member agreed to forward the link to the relevant officers.  The Officer advised that both Licensing and the  Police are enhancing their Christmas campaigns.  

Members asked to see any outcomes in terms of changing behaviours in due course.

RESOLVED, that – the commissioning of the campaign be approved.