Attendees heard about the experiences of areas supported by the
Home
Office Tackling Violent Crime Programme and how they had responded to
alcohol-related violence within the night-time economy and increased
incidents of domestic violence within the home.
An intelligence-led approach and proactive work has led to a 13 per
cent reduction in violence overall. The comprehensive
approach to tackling violence both within the night-time economy and
domestic violence in Wear Valley focused in particular around Bishop
Auckland, Crook and Willington town centres.
Voluntary organisation Harbour have led a multi-agency project in the
Hartlepool area. Harbour provide outreach workers and can support and
advise victims of domestic violence and abuse. This proactive approach
of working closely with Cleveland Police and partners ensured victims could
easily access local services and seek the support of specialist workers
when needed.
The conference also heard about the impact of Operation Night Safe in
Durham city centre, a Tackling Violent Crime Programme area in
2008-09. In particular the conference heard about the success of the
Durham Best Bar None scheme. This scheme used polycarbonate vessels as a
replacement to traditional glasses in the majority of city centre premises
along with increased efforts to improve the visibility of police officers,
improved management and use of the licensing act. Together these
initiatives and others had led to an overall reduction of violent
crime by 35 per cent.
The agenda also provided a regional and national perspective, including
Balance the North
East Alcohol Office that was launched in February. Balance aims to
educate the public on alcohol and its misuse, share good practice across
the region and call for changes in the way alcohol products are sold,
priced and promoted. The office aims to build upon good work going on
across the North East to make sure we are all pulling in the same direction
and using consistent messaging – speaking with one voice but
many voices, whether those voices work in the NHS, local authorities, the
police service, voluntary organisations or elsewhere.
There was also a session on
the Be Safe
knife crimes educational programme. This is being delivered in schools
across many areas of the country including the North East.
Delegates considered initiatives to tackle alcohol-related violent crime
occurring in the home and night time economy. Delegates proposed the
conference become an annual event and agreed to forming a virtual violent
crime regional network to continue the sharing of effective practice and
provide an efficient way of communicating regional and national updates.
