Nottinghamshire Domestic Violence Forum



WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN ?

Because - You are concerned with issues of Domestic Violence

A largely hidden and unreported crime perpetrated mainly by men against women

That is widespread and persists within all groups of society

That affects the health, welfare and safety of a large number of women and children

That is largely undealt with by society but is an enormous cost to services, including, Health, Education, Housing & Legal Services

That there are few resources allocated to deal with it

Because - You agree with the aims of NDVF

To strengthen inter agency working in order to maximise choices and services available to women who are subjected to violence in their relationships and to seek to reduce the level of violence through changing public awareness and attitudes.

Together we can ensure that the needs of all women are considered.

Membership for 2 years £10 Organisations £3 Individuals

WHAT IS NDVF ?

It is a independent inter agency initiative that brings together a range of voluntary and statutory organisation’s and individuals to work on tackling issues related to domestic violence throughout the City of Nottingham and County of Nottinghamshire

The NDVF has operated since October 1990, originating from a domestic violence panel that has formed by a Councillor in 1987 to address issues of domestic violence within key services – Police, Housing & Social Services

In the early years the County Council provided generous funding to enable a Development Worker to be employed and major initiatives took place. Limited funding support is now given by both the City & County Councils to enable an Administrator to be employed for 2 days per week to maintain essential servicing of the Forum & the Steering Group

The Steering Group is elected by the Forum and includes representatives from key agencies such as Women’s Aid, Nottingham Agenda, Health Authority, Police, Housing, Social Services, Probation, Solicitors, Leisure Services and Youth Community & Play Services. It co-ordinates, supports and actively develops the work of the Forum

Over 150 people are on the mailing list of the Forum and receive quarterly Newsletters. Many attend the 3 Forum Training Seminars / Meetings per year to hear updated information on domestic violence from local and national speakers and network with other like minded people.

WHAT DOES THE NDVF DO ?

Supports inter agency initiatives on domestic violence

Acts as central reference and resource point for organisation’s in Nottinghamshire

Co-ordinates local and national information

Encourages good practice in all areas of work

Provides services – e.g. low cost training particularly for under funded groups, policy development, funding advice, publicity and public relations support

Helps identify research projects and funding

Runs a Public Awareness Campaign

Acts as an umbrella organisation using the Forum name to ensure credibility, support and good practice are given to smaller inter agency initiatives in the City and County

WHAT HAS THE NDVF ACHIEVED ?

Secured Lottery funding for £82,000 for a 2 year public awareness campaign

Worked with the Area Child Protection Committee to raise additional funds from key services to meet the full costs of the Campaign

Employs a Campaign Development Worker and support services

Published quarterly Newsletters and provided 3 informative and educative training Forum Seminars / Meetings per year to update members on key aspects of legislation and agency practice

Provided training sessions for Health Visitors, Midwives, Magistrates, Solicitors, Social Workers, Housing Officers, Youth & Community Workers

Ensured that domestic violence featured in joint planning process – e.g. Crime & Disorder Act Audit

Responded to key Government documents and legalisation with implications on domestic violence issues and lobbed for the development of good policy and practice

Maintained close links with Women’s Aid and key agencies

Worked with Solicitors Group to produce code of practice leaflets and promotional leaflets

Worked with the Police to produce policy statements and leaflets on domestic violence

Used a variety of arts media, drama productions, posters, games and videos to work with young people on issues of domestic violence

Secured funding for exhibitions

Organised jointly with Social Services one of the first conferences on the links between child abuse and domestic violence

Responded to requests for information and media questions on women’s safety

Produced information leaflets for women on where help is available

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Maria Gent on Mondays & Tuesdays

NDVF, 30 Chaucer Street

Nottingham NG1 5LP

Telephone 0115 9473363

Fax 0115 9475257

1