Cross Border VAW Multi-Agency Partnership

Tuesday, 4th May, 2010

Cross border Violence Against Women multi-agency partnership is to be established in order to develop a more secure basis for the work on violence against women in both East Lothian and Midlothian, a proposal to form a single multi-agency partnership was discussed at a joint stakeholder event at the end of January 2010 based on the strategic framework outlined in "Safer Lives: Changed Lives".

There is now an agreement by both areas to establish a joint partnership and a summary report is available which records discussions, the priorities identified and next steps.  The foreword to this report, provided by the Chief Executives of both authorities, highlights the importance of work in this area.

The steering group of representatives of both existing forums is currently working towards producing draft terms of reference and high level strategic aims.  Expressions of interest are also being sought for the key roles of Chair and Vice-chair of the joint multi-agency partnership, with the aim of holding the inaugural meeting of the joint partnership in September 2010.

The report is available on both East Lothian Community Planning Partnership and Midlothian Council websites and more information is available from Lyn Jardine, VAW Strategy Coordinator.