Issued on behalf of East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council

MEMBERS of the public are being asked for their help in shaping a joint approach to tackle domestic and sexual violence and abuse, as well as other forms of violence against women and children.

East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council are working together to ensure the right services are available to reduce the risk of domestic and sexual violence and abuse, and support victims and survivors.The two authorities want to develop a joint strategy to improve the response to domestic abuse, stalking and harassment, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, crimes committed in the name of “honour” and sexual exploitation.

Cllr Bill Bentley, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for community and safety, said: “East Sussex and Brighton & Hove have a long history of working together to tackle the issue of domestic abuse and violence.”

“We have some extremely successful services already in place, but we want to find out what more we can do to tackle the issue and provide appropriate support across the city, as well as the towns and rural areas of East Sussex.”

Cllr Emma Daniel, chair of Brighton & Hove’s Neighbourhoods, Inclusion, Communities & Equalities Committee, said: “It is vital that any strategy we have in place reduces the risk of anyone being a victim of violence and abuse, as well as ensuring victims and survivors get the support and protection they need.

“We would encourage as many people to take part in this consultation and help us develop an approach that benefits everyone affected by domestic abuse and violence.”

National charity AVA has been commissioned to conduct the independent consultation, which will run until May 14, 2018.

The consultation is open to anyone over the age of 18 who lives, works or travels to Brighton & Hove and East Sussex, including anyone affected directly by violence and abuse, people who have been affected by a friend’s or family member’s experience, or have witnessed violence and abuse in their community, as well as professionals.

To take part in the consultation, visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PMHLDCD There is a quick ‘exit’ button at the top right hand corner of every page of the survey.

As part of the strategy development process, AVA also wants to hear from people who have used violence or abuse, or been concerned about their behaviour in intimate relationships or towards people in their family and community.

The short online survey for people who have used violence or abuse can be accessed at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XTZXH6T

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