According to the Government over 2.3 million people suffer domestic abuse each year at a total cost to the public purse of over £66bn.

We also know that two women a week lose their lives to domestic abuse and this number has increased during the Covid lock-down.

In Shropshire Domestic Abuse is a major cause of the escalating number of children being made subject to a Child Protection Plan and is the single biggest reason for Section 42 adult safeguarding enquiries and conclusions. West Mercia Police report that it accounts for 17% of reported crimes with a 22% increase year on year (https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/app/uploads/2020/11/PCC-Domestic-Abuse-Strategy-V4.pdf?x13793&x41491).

We are sure that all members of the Council welcome the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 which provides for a legal definition of domestic abuse and increases the powers and responsibilities of the Council to victims and survivors. However, if we really care about these victims we need to go further than simple legal compliance and follow the many Councils who are leading their communities in taking a stand against domestic abuse by becoming White Ribbon Accredited organisations.

This motion therefore resolves that Shropshire Council will seek to become an accredited White Ribbon Authority by March 2022.

The motion was passed unanimously.