Because - You are concerned with issues of Domestic Violence
A largely hidden and unreported crime perpetrated mainly by men against women
That is widespread and persists within all groups of society
That affects the health, welfare and safety of a large number of women and children
That is largely undealt with by society but is an enormous cost to services, including, Health, Education, Housing & Legal Services
That there are few resources allocated to deal with it
Because - You agree with the aims of NDVF
To strengthen inter agency working in order to maximise choices and services available to women who are subjected to violence in their relationships and to seek to reduce the level of violence through changing public awareness and attitudes.
Together we can ensure that the needs of all women are considered.
Membership for 2 years £10 Organisations £3 Individuals
WHAT IS NDVF ?
It is a independent inter agency initiative that brings together a range of voluntary and statutory organisation’s and individuals to work on tackling issues related to domestic violence throughout the City of Nottingham and County of Nottinghamshire
The NDVF has operated since October 1990, originating from a domestic violence panel that has formed by a Councillor in 1987 to address issues of domestic violence within key services – Police, Housing & Social Services
In the early years the County Council provided generous funding to enable a Development Worker to be employed and major initiatives took place. Limited funding support is now given by both the City & County Councils to enable an Administrator to be employed for 2 days per week to maintain essential servicing of the Forum & the Steering Group
The Steering Group is elected by the Forum and includes representatives from key agencies such as Women’s Aid, Nottingham Agenda, Health Authority, Police, Housing, Social Services, Probation, Solicitors, Leisure Services and Youth Community & Play Services. It co-ordinates, supports and actively develops the work of the Forum
Over 150 people are on the mailing list of the Forum and receive quarterly Newsletters. Many attend the 3 Forum Training Seminars / Meetings per year to hear updated information on domestic violence from local and national speakers and network with other like minded people.
WHAT DOES THE NDVF DO ?
Supports inter agency initiatives on domestic violence
Acts as central reference and resource point for organisation’s in Nottinghamshire
Co-ordinates local and national information
Encourages good practice in all areas of work
Provides services – e.g. low cost training particularly for under funded groups, policy development, funding advice, publicity and public relations support
Helps identify research projects and funding
Runs a Public Awareness Campaign
Acts as an umbrella organisation using the Forum name to ensure credibility, support and good practice are given to smaller inter agency initiatives in the City and County
WHAT HAS THE NDVF ACHIEVED ?
Secured Lottery funding for £82,000 for a 2 year public awareness campaign
Worked with the Area Child Protection Committee to raise additional funds from key services to meet the full costs of the Campaign
Employs a Campaign Development Worker and support services
Published quarterly Newsletters and provided 3 informative and educative training Forum Seminars / Meetings per year to update members on key aspects of legislation and agency practice
Provided training sessions for Health Visitors, Midwives, Magistrates, Solicitors, Social Workers, Housing Officers, Youth & Community Workers
Ensured that domestic violence featured in joint planning process – e.g. Crime & Disorder Act Audit
Responded to key Government documents and legalisation with implications on domestic violence issues and lobbed for the development of good policy and practice
Maintained close links with Women’s Aid and key agencies
Worked with Solicitors Group to produce code of practice leaflets and promotional leaflets
Worked with the Police to produce policy statements and leaflets on domestic violence
Used a variety of arts media, drama productions, posters, games and videos to work with young people on issues of domestic violence
Secured funding for exhibitions
Organised jointly with Social Services one of the first conferences on the links between child abuse and domestic violence
Responded to requests for information and media questions on women’s safety
Produced information leaflets for women on where help is available
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Maria Gent on Mondays & Tuesdays
NDVF, 30 Chaucer Street
Nottingham NG1 5LP
Telephone 0115 9473363
Fax 0115 9475257
