DOMESTIC violence will come under the spotlight at a meeting tonight.

The Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee will receive a full response to the Scrutiny Review on Tackling Domestic Abuse from Coun Colin Lovell, Swindon Council's cabinet member for customer services and a safer and stronger borough.

Coun Lovell said: “I believe that tackling domestic violence is one of the biggest issues facing the community safety partnership, simply because it is so under reported.

“We understand the extent of the problem and the cost to society from domestic violence.

“We have worked hard to increase the awareness of domestic violence and to increase the support we give to victims of domestic violence.”

Just some of the recommendations put forward by the Scrutiny Committee to help deal with domestic violence in the borough included greater prominence within the council and improving service provision.

A meeting was held with One Swindon in December and one of the issues discussed included domestic violence.

An action plan has been developed which includes promoting support services for victims, helping perpetrators stop their abusive behaviour, working with schools and creating a social network to share training.

Coun Lovell said: “If One Swindon is to be the focus of delivery across the borough then we must ensure that domestic abuse is given the prominence and resources it deserves and ensure that all partners and agencies are working together to reduce domestic abuse and to support victims.

“There is still much work for our review to do and it is therefore vital that the domestic abuse review continues.”

He recommended that GPs be consulted to identify their views on domestic abuse, how and to whom they refer patients and what services and information they make available to the people of Swindon.