Safer Essex Violence and Vulnerability Framework
A growing concern for the communities of Essex is the increase in serious violence associated with gang activity. This is having a significant impact on the lives of those who live and work in the county.
The Police and Crime Plan prioritises reversing the trend in serious violence, tackling gangs and organised crime, and protecting children and vulnerable people from harm.
The Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex was asked by the Safer Essex Partnership to create a framework that will collectively help to shape the strategic approach to solving the problem.
This Violence and Vulnerability Framework Violence and Vulnerability Framework – approved June 2018 will act as a guide for all organisations that are proactively taking action to reduce the threat of violence across Essex to have a more coordinated approach for any future working.
The Framework aims to:
– improve visibility and awareness of partnership activity around violence and vulnerability
– increase the occurrence and effectiveness of prevention and intervention activities
– identify opportunities to add value to existing and planned activities
– identify gaps in current and planned activities
– highlight areas where cross-border and partnership working to be beneficial
Alongside the Framework, there is an overview document highlighting the key aspects. It can be viewed here Violence and Vulnerability Framework Overview
Ian Davidson, Chief Executive of Tendring District Council and chair of Safer Essex, said: “The harm associated with county lines is a major issue that has significant impact on local communities and residents. By recognising the multi-faceted nature of this problem and coming together collectively Essex partners will be best-placed to respond. I am proud that Essex is leading the way nationally in developing a collaborative response to this issue. Safer Essex will continue to work towards a partnership solution that combats violence and vulnerability and delivers safer communities for Essex.”
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “There are clear and strong links between this agenda and the priorities in the Police and Crime Plan. We are looking to respond effectively to the violence and harm associated with county lines, organised crime groups, urban street gangs, and drug supply. This framework is an excellent example of collaboration and Essex partners joining together to seek a collective solution to a shared issue. I will be driving forward this positive work, making the framework deliver effectively to safeguard local residents and communities.”
The Framework, which builds on the Government’s Serious Violence Strategy, is the first of its kind in the country, and will be the bedrock that future local activity stems from. The Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is using the Framework as the basis of a bid to the Home Office’s Early Intervention Youth Fund, due to be submitted in September. Also in September, Safer Essex will be exploring how partners can individually and collectively contribute to actively delivering the commitments in the Framework.
